Aster along with ten other ministers were detained in unknown location ever since. The ministers were criticizing the border war of the then president, Isaia and signed an open letter. He was considered a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International.
Ten ministers, including Aster, were taken into custody without explanation. They had previously voiced opposition to President Isaia's border conflict and penned an open letter criticizing his actions.  Amnesty International recognized Isaia as a prisoner of conscience.