Two teenagers are standing trial in Glasgow, accused of fatally stabbing 15-year-old Amen Teklay in an attack involving a sword. The trial began this week at the High Court in Glasgow, where jurors were presented with CCTV and mobile phone footage connected to the events leading up to Amen’s death.

Prosecutors allege that the 16-year-old and 17-year-old defendants were involved in a series of confrontations with Amen Teklay over several weeks. Footage from February 12, 2025, showed Amen being assaulted by a group of three boys on Great Western Road in Glasgow. Additional CCTV from March 2, 2025, captured a group of three young males, reportedly including one of the accused, near a bus stop outside a pub in the Partick area. Witness Detective Sergeant Jennifer Piggot described Amen approaching the group before a stand-off took place, with the prosecution asserting that the trio circled Amen and brandished a blade and a metal barrier while masked.

Amen Teklay, who lived in Glasgow with his father and was originally from Eritrea, was pursued early on March 5, 2025, before being struck with a sword on Clarendon Street. The injuries he sustained were severe and led to his death at the scene. One of the accused, the 16-year-old, faces an additional charge of attempting to obstruct justice by disposing of items believed to be linked to the attack, including a bloodstained top, tracksuit bottoms, and the sword.

Prosecutors contend the 16-year-old attacked Amen alongside two others on February 12 and later threatened him again on March 2 with a sword and metal barrier. The defense for the 17-year-old asserts self-defense, stating that the accused acted to protect himself and the 16-year-old from an assault by Amen Teklay, who allegedly was armed with a bladed weapon during the confrontation.

The trial is ongoing, with further evidence and witness testimony expected in the coming sessions.