Human Rights Concern – Eritrea (HRCE) strongly condemns the recent actions of Seltene Girmay, also known as Tefetawi, an Eritrean YouTuber and host of TEFETAWI TALIK SHOW, who has publicly threatened to share an intimate image of Eritrean activist MT during an online debate. This unacceptable act of intimidation and blackmail is not only morally reprehensible but may also constitute a crime under U.S. law.

Threats, Blackmail, and Online Defamation

During a live-streamed debate, Seltene Girmay informed MT that he possesses an intimate image of him and threatened to post it on social media. This statement was recorded and widely circulated on platforms such as YouTube and Facebook, reaching a large Eritrean audience. Whether or not Girmay actually possesses such an image, his confirmation and repeated threats amount to intimidation, blackmail, and online harassment.

Additionally, Seltene Girmay has a history of using his platform to spread hatred, make false accusations, defame individuals, and encourage character assassination against those with differing political views or individuals and groups he does not approve of. This pattern of behaviour is not only harmful but also legally actionable under U.S. law.

His actions set a dangerous precedent and further contribute to an already hostile online environment for Eritrean activists and human rights defenders.

Legal Implications

Threatening to share someone’s intimate images without consent is considered a serious offense in the United States. Under U.S. federal and state laws, this could fall under:

• Revenge Porn & Cyber Harassment Laws – Criminalizing the intentional threat to distribute explicit images without consent.

• Extortion & Blackmail Laws – Making threats to gain leverage over someone, regardless of whether the images exist or not.

• Defamation & False Accusations – Publicly spreading false statements to harm someone’s reputation.

• Cyberstalking and Online Harassment Laws – Protecting individuals from repeated, harmful behaviour that causes emotional distress.

These offenses can result in criminal charges, financial penalties, and legal actions against the perpetrator

Call for Action

HRCE urges social media platforms to take immediate action against individuals who use their channels to engage in harassment, threats, and defamation. We also call on the Eritrean community and human rights organizations to denounce such acts and stand in solidarity with victims of online abuse.

Furthermore, we encourage the victim, MT, to seek legal advice to address this matter through the appropriate legal channels. Threats, defamation, and online harassment must not be tolerated, and perpetrators must be held accountable.

Human Rights Concern – Eritrea (HRCE)

HRCE is dedicated to advocating for the rights and freedoms of Eritreans worldwide, ensuring justice, accountability, and the protection of fundamental human rights.