It dawned on me that there are individuals who may be beyond redemption, not because they seek salvation, but because they fail to acknowledge their own wrongdoing. This harsh reality was brought to light through the heartbreaking story of Ayantu Mustefa, a victim of a brutal acid attack by her own husband, leaving 40% of her body severely burned and one eye permanently blind. The shocking part is that Ayantu had been married to this man for eight years, raising two children together, yet she never suspected the darkness that lurked within him. The betrayal and cruelty she faced, being attacked in her sleep and then chased down to have acid thrown at her eye as she tried to escape, is beyond comprehension. It is a stark reminder that evil can reside in the most unexpected places, even within those we trust the most. This tragic incident serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the importance of being vigilant and aware of the true nature of those around us, no matter how well we think we know them.
The moment I first discovered Kamilat's story, one of the earliest victims of acid attacks, my heart sank and I fervently wished that her tragic fate would never befall anyone else. Sadly, my hopes were shattered when I learned about numerous other women like Beza and Astede, who have also suffered at the hands of men in their lives. These perpetrators, driven by envy or some sinister force, committed unimaginable acts against their own partners. It is utterly incomprehensible to fathom the twisted mindset of individuals capable of such abhorrent deeds. Their actions were calculated, devoid of any remorse or indication of mental instability prior to their vicious assaults. One cannot help but wonder if these criminals are nothing short of psychopaths consumed by pure malevolence. The destructive power of hatred should never be underestimated, as it has the ability to obliterate dreams and shatter lives. What truly breaks my heart is the lack of justice for these women. The perpetrators have not faced the rightful consequences they deserve. While seeking retribution may seem vengeful, it is only fair that these criminals experience the same suffering they inflicted, serving as a deterrent to others who may contemplate similar atrocities. As someone aptly expressed, one wouldn't even throw acid onto an animal, let alone their own spouse who has borne their children.
People's willingness to support Ayantu in receiving medical care and justice is evident through the Ayantu filter on Tik Tok, created to raise funds for her expenses. The filter gained popularity among women, with men also joining the trend and creating videos on TikTok to spread awareness. While browsing through comments on these videos, I encountered disturbing remarks that crossed the line. Some comments were so vile that they warranted institutionalization for the individuals who wrote them. One comment stood out, questioning why Ayantu's case was receiving attention when others from a specific ethnic group were facing mass casualties. This attempt to downplay Ayantu's suffering by bringing ethnicity into the discussion was insensitive and unnecessary. Another appalling comment, suggesting that the husband was justified in throwing acid on his wife, showcased a disturbing lack of empathy and moral compass. Responding to these hurtful comments, I found myself engulfed with rage by these individuals who failed to grasp the gravity of Ayantu's situation and instead chose to push their own agendas. It is disheartening to witness such callousness and insensitivity towards a victim of such a horrific crime.
Some individuals question the timing of creating a video addressing a specific issue, but it is crucial to remember that each problem deserves attention regardless of when it is brought to light. The suffering of one person, like Ayantu, should not diminish the suffering of others in different circumstances. War is a tragic event that results in loss of life, particularly affecting women and children who bear the brunt of the aftermath as men lose their lives in the war. It is essential not to compare or belittle the pain of different individuals or groups, as this only fuels animosity. Instead of fostering hatred through comparisons, it is vital for a nation to come together to support healing and rebuilding efforts. Those who make insensitive comments online may harbor dangerous tendencies that should not be ignored. It is baffling why some individuals do not choose to remain silent when their words could cause harm, especially in sensitive situations. A general rule of thumb should be to refrain from speaking if one cannot contribute constructively.
There should be regulations in place to monitor and address harmful comments online before they escalate into real-world actions. It is crucial to hold individuals accountable for their words and actions, especially when they have the potential to further suffering. Could it be that we as a people don't genuinely like each other, but instead put on a facade of friendliness while secretly harboring feelings of envy and animosity, just waiting for an opportunity to strike. I would like to believe that there are countless compassionate and warm-hearted Ethiopians out there, and I refuse to accept the idea that all hope is lost. By promoting empathy, understanding, and constructive dialogue, we can work towards a society where everyone feels safe and respected. Instead of causing harm and tearing each other down, let's strive to be each other's support system and protector.