EHPM - Ethiopian Health Professionals' Movement
Statement from Tigray Medical Association
Subject: Arbitrary Arrest of Dr. Yemane Gebremariam, CED of Adigrat Comprehensive Specialized Hospital
The Tigray Medical Association (TMA) strongly condemns the arbitrary arrest of Dr. Yemane Gebremariam, a respected pediatrician, Chief Executive Director of Adigrat Comprehensive Specialized Hospital.
Dr. Yemane is well known across Tigray's medical and academic community for his leadership in healthcare delivery and medical education. He is also a former Executive Board member and, more recently, an Advisory Board member of the Tigray Medical Association.
According to information received from Association members in Adigrat town, Dr. Yemane was arrested while traveling to Addis Ababa to attend the MedEd Africa professional education event. No lawful justification or due process has been communicated to the Association, his colleagues, or his family.
This arrest is a serious violation of the rights of medical professionals to move and associate freely and to engage in legitimate scientific and educational activity without harassment. It directly undermines two institutions critical to Tigray's recovery: a hospital serving a large and vulnerable population, and an academic center training the region's future health workforce.
It also sends a chilling signal to healthcare leaders and educators, discouraging the professional engagement essential to rebuilding a resilient health system.
The Tigray Medical Association calls for:
1. The immediate and unconditional release of Dr. Yemane Gebremariam.
2. Full transparency on the grounds for his detention, with due process consistent with legal standards.
3. Respect for the neutrality and safety of healthcare and academic medical leaders.
4. Assurance that no medical professional will face arrest or harassment for attending conferences or continuing education.
TMA appeals to authorities, human rights bodies, medical associations, and health partners to act to secure Dr. Yemane's release and to protect every health professional's right to practice, teach, and travel free from arbitrary detention.