Eritrean human rights advocate Helen Berhane faces threats from Canadian YouTuber Selemun Syum, who has publicly insulted and incited actions against her after a video discussing elderly Eritreans’ struggles. Despite being granted asylum in Canada, Syum leverages his platform to threaten opponents of the Eritrean regime, prompting Berhane to demand action against him. Human rights advocates stress the need for accountability concerning Syum’s actions.
In a deeply unsettling turn of events, Eritrean human rights advocate Helen Berhane has become the target of threats and defamation from Selemun Syum, a YouTuber based in Canada. Syum urged his audience in the Eritrean diaspora to take action against Berhane following her attempt to shine a light on the struggles of elderly Eritreans stranded at Dubai Airport, as reported by Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW). During a video recorded at the airport, Berhane described the heartbreaking situation where elderly Eritreans faced hardships due to the inability to pay transit fees after the halt of Ethiopian Airlines flights to Eritrea. Berhane passionately called for unity among the people, emphasizing the need to support their elders without letting divisions of ethnicity or regional identity create barriers. Syum not only attacked her character, labeling her as a “snake-like” liar but also dismissed her claims about her imprisonment in Eritrea. These claims about her suffering in Mai Serwa prison have been corroborated by former inmates and watchdog organizations. His statements, reeking of malice, included threats against Berhane, declaring that she and others like her have been acting with impunity for far too long. An ominous warning from Syum urged listeners to “deal with her” and suggested that the Eritrean people would hold her accountable for her words. Furthermore, despite claiming asylum in Canada on the grounds of escaping persecution, he has used his platform to support oppressive regimes and instigate hostility against dissenters like Berhane for nearly three years. Berhane has called on YouTube to take action, demanding a thorough investigation into Syum’s conduct on the platform. Her public outcry highlights the danger she faces, as she fearlessly advocates for the rights of others while being continuously targeted. CSW’s CEO Scot Bower echoed the sentiment that Syum should face consequences if harm comes to Berhane as a result of his incendiary remarks. Scot Bower added a grim note, emphasizing that not only have Syum’s asylum claims come under scrutiny, but his ongoing instigation against human rights advocates represents a dangerous form of transnational repression that cannot be tolerated. He also urged YouTube to shut down Syum’s channel to prevent further threats against those advocating for justice and accountability.
Helen Berhane, an Eritrean human rights advocate, stands at the forefront of combating injustices against her fellow citizens. Her advocacy has made her a target for retribution, particularly from those supportive of the Eritrean regime. Selemun Syum, a Canadian YouTuber, has recently taken to his platform to threaten Berhane after she highlighted the plight of elderly Eritreans stranded in transit. This incident underscores the complexities of freedom of expression, especially for those opposing authoritarian regimes, and the dangers they face even in distant lands. The situation reflects broader issues concerning the diaspora communities and their responses to adversarial political dynamics. The clash between Berhane’s advocacy for human rights and Syum’s support for the Eritrean governance reveals a deeply polarized environment where individuals risk harassment and hostility for their stances.
The alarming threats directed towards Helen Berhane by Selemun Syum highlight the precarious nature of standing up against oppressive regimes and the potential backlash faced by advocates for human rights. Syum’s conduct not only jeopardizes Berhane’s safety but raises critical questions regarding the responsibilities of social media platforms in policing harmful content. The call for accountability, combined with Berhane’s fearless advocacy, illustrates the struggle for justice that persists in the face of adversity. It is essential to protect those who courageously fight for truth and human dignity against growing threats.
Original Source: www.christianpost.com
