The family of Amen Teklay, a 15-year-old schoolboy who was stabbed to death in Glasgow in March last year, has released an emotional statement following a court ruling that found two teenagers not guilty of murdering him.
Verdict and Trial Details
The two male youths, aged 16 and 17, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were found not guilty on Monday after a trial at the High Court in Glasgow. They had been accused of assaulting Amen with a frying pan and a sword or similar instrument while masked, chasing him and striking him on the body with the sword, causing fatal injuries in the St George's Cross area.
Family's Statement
Amen's family broke their silence, stating: "Today, our family is experiencing profound grief and heartbreak. We have lost Amen, and no court decision can ever bring him back. Our concern today is not only for Amen, but for every young person and every family who deserves to feel safe. The justice system exists to protect the public and to give people confidence that the law is applied fairly. When that confidence is shaken, it affects the whole community. We are not calling for revenge. We are calling for justice, accountability, and meaningful action to help prevent other families from experiencing the same tragedy."
They expressed gratitude for support and vowed to honor Amen's memory by working toward a safer future for young people.
Background and Tributes
The jury heard there had been a "feud" between Amen's group and the 16-year-old's friends, involving physical violence and brandishing knives. Amen, who moved to Glasgow from Eritrea with his father eight years earlier as a refugee, had dreamed of becoming a doctor, engineer, or basketball player after gaining UK citizenship. His sister Delina previously said: "He was the one I could go and talk to about anything. We grew up together so we were very close. This was very unexpected and shocking for us."
