Abshir Futale, 28, a refugee from Ogaden, Ethiopia, is a survivor of torture.
Posted by Ogadentoday-Chief Editor on July 04 2012 04:12:25
Abshir Futale, 28, a refugee from Ogaden, Ethiopia, is a survivor of torture.As a teenager Futale and other students were accused of being rebels, and locked up without charge. The scars on his legs, arms and chest attest to the beatings with ropes.Electrodes were attached to women’s breasts and they were shocked, and they were gang-raped. For women, the torture ended in gang rapes. At the age of 16, Futale fled his country and has been in Cape Town since 2008. He said the counselling at the Trauma Centre had helped with his healing, although it was still difficult.
Extended News
Scars from a history of pain remain deep.
Abshir Futale, 28, a refugee from Ogaden, Ethiopia, is a survivor of torture.
As a teenager Futale and other students were accused of being rebels, and locked up without charge. The scars on his legs, arms and chest attest to the beatings with ropes.
Electrodes were attached to women’s breasts and they were shocked, and they were gang-raped. For women, the torture ended in gang rapes.
At the age of 16, Futale fled his country and has been in Cape Town since 2008. He said the counselling at the Trauma Centre had helped with his healing, although it was still difficult.
“I’m 28 and I’m a refugee. Where do I belong? I still don’t know. When will I be a citizen? I have no family. I have no friends. I have no future. I’m a refugee.”
esther.lewis@inl.co.za