religious prisoners in eritrea

on religious grounds in Eritrea. The group of 27 included 19 men and 8 women, some of whom had been in … One of the reasons given was their refusal to go on military service. Reports of torture and other abuses of religious prison - ers continue. Freedom call. Service lasts over a decade although the proclamation establishing national service limits conscription to 18 months. There are thousands of Eritreans in Ethiopia, Sudan, Israel, Europe and the West seeking asylum. While five were able to leave on Tuesday (17 July), the remaining 30 were freed on Wednesday (18 July). Eritrea released at least 35 Christians from prison earlier this week, reports the Eritrean news site Asmarino Independent. The Eritrean government has released on bail more than 20 prisoners held for years because of their faith. (Bloomberg) -- Eritrea released 28 Jehovah’s Witnesses who spent between five and 26 years in prison without trial, the religious group said. On September 11, it was confirmed by Christian Solidarity Worldwide that 27 Eritrean Christian prisoners of conscience were released from Mai Serwa Prison near Asmara in early September, likely due to the increasing dangers of COVID-19 in detention centers across the world. Statistics from Eritrea According to Compass Direct newly compiled statistics smuggled out of Eritrea indicate that at least 1,918 Eritrean citizens are imprisoned and subjected to torture and forced labor because of their religious beliefs; 95 percent of these known religious prisoners … Civilian authorities in the regime maintained effective control over most security forces. ICFC has learned the recent death of four young Christians who were kept in an underground dungeon at Assab for nearly six years. Eritrea arrests and imprisons Jehovah’s Witnesses—including women and the elderly—without trial or formal charges for religious activity or for undisclosed reasons. The vast majority are Evangelical or Pentecostal Christians. While the country's closed nature makes exact numbers difficult to determine, the State Department reports 1,200 to 3,000 persons are imprisoned on religious grounds in Eritrea. The prison authorities ban praying aloud, singing, preaching or reading religious books. Torture ,imprisonment , thousands fleeing, no religious freedom , the only university is closed, everybody is in the army, No Parliament, No election, No functioning institution, No free press & all living journalists are in prison. The Eritrean government has released on bail more than 20 prisoners who’d been in detention for years because of their faith, the BBC reports. Religious Prisoners. We urge Eritrea to repeal its restrictive religious laws and … Eritrean-American Ciham Ali Ahmed turns 23 today – and once again she is spending her birthday behind bars. However there is absolutely no legal framework how the government handles religious prisoners. The international community is well-aware of Eritrea’s mistreatment of Jehovah’s Witnesses and other religious minorities. 3,000 Christians imprisoned in Eritrea. That we know of, Christians under arrest because of their faith number around 150 in Eritrea. President Afewerki revoked the Witnesses’ citizenship by a presidential decree dated October 25, 1994, because they did not participate in the 1993 independence referendum and they conscientiously object to … The U.S. State Department has cited Eritrea for its religious intolerance, alongside Myanmar, North Korea, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and the latest entrant on this blacklist, Nigeria. The vast majority of religious prisoners of conscience are members of unreg-istered churches. Prisoners of conscience often languish in Eritrean prison for years before their cases are even heard, suffering unimaginably inhumane living conditions and regular incidents of torture for their faith. There have been no national-level elections since an independence referendum in 1993. ... including religious prisoners, from having visitors. They have fled indefinite military service, arbitrary imprisonment and multiple human rights violations, including the right to freedom of religion or belief. Campaign to release Eritrea's religious prisoners. Since 2004, Eritrea has been designated as a CPC under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, section 402(b), for having engaged in or tolerated particularly severe violations of religious freedom. The People’s Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ), headed by the president, is the sole political party. During 2017, there was an increase in the number of arrests. NYPD cancels use of robotic dog after backlash 'On the move': Biden urges Congress to … ERITREA: Situation of human rights: Report of Mohamed Abdelsalam Babiker, the UN Special Rapporteur Religious freedom is addressed in six paragraphs See HRWF Database of information about religious freedom in Eritrea in 2021 and 2020 U.N. General Assembly (12.05.2021) – https://bit.ly/3v1wVGW – The present report is submitted pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution … Conditional release of 27 Christian prisoners 11 Sep 2020 CSW has confirmed that 27 Eritrean Christians were released from Mai Serwa Prison near Eritrea’s capital, Asmara, on 4 and 8 September, possibly in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, at least 73 Jehovah’s Witnesses are in Eritrean prisons suffering harrowing conditions [1]. Eritrea: 28 prisoners of conscience detained 18 years ago must be immediately and unconditionally released 17 September 2019, 03:01 UTC. Soon after Eritrea gained independence in 1993, President Isaias Afwerki began a crackdown on religious groups he felt opposed to the state. The State Department estimates there are between 1200 and 3000 prisoners held for their faith. 70 Christians Released from Prison in Eritrea. Shocking News of Christian Prisoners at Assab, Eritrea. He says Christians inside the country are growing bolder as the Eritrean diaspora becomes more outspoken in calling for greater religious freedom. There are two major religions in Eritrea, Christianity and Islam. Release partner Dr Berhane Asmelash was himself tortured in Eritrea. Asmara, Eritera - Newly compiled statistics smuggled out of Eritrea indicate that at least 1,918 Eritrean citizens are imprisoned and being subjected to torture and forced labor because of their religious beliefs. In October last, 69 Christians had been released, … This year she faces the additional and potentially deadly risk of contracting COVID-19 in some prison in Eritrea. In 1994 the citizenship for all members of the church was revoked and followers are routinely imprisoned without trial. Freedom of worship is one of the top reasons thousands of Eritreans flee the country. A UN Commission of Inquiry in 2016 characterized the system as “enslavement.” Conscripts are subjected to 72-hour work weeks, severe arbitrary punishment, rape by commanders if female, and grossly inadeq… Christian dies in military jail. Another five were released yesterday. Since 2004, Eritrea has been designated a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 for having engaged in or tolerated particularly severe violations of religious freedom. In Eritrea only four religious groups are officially recognised – Christian Orthodox, Catholic Church, Lutheran Church and Sunni Islam. Eritrea did release several hundred religious prisoners on bail in 2020, apparently in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but USCIRF reports that many more remain. On February 1 st, the government released 21 female and 43 male Christians who had been imprisoned without trial anywhere from two to 12 years. In September, Eritrea released another 20 prisoners from Pentecostal and evangelical churches who had been imprisoned for their faith. Eritrea released 28 Jehovah’s Witnesses who spent between five and 26 years in prison without trial, the religious group said. ‘Release continues to press the government to release its prisoners of faith – every one of them. For the last two decades, Eritrean authorities have persecuted religious groups, frequently arresting church leaders and detaining them in small shipping container prisons where advocates say they're routinely deprived of water, food, proper sanitation and medicines. … USCIRF included some of those cases in its new Victims List. Some prisoners, such as the leader of the Full Gospel Church, have been in prison for more than 15 years. At least 150 Eritrean Christians were arrested by government officials during summer 2019, with some held in an underground prison made up of tunnels. There are believed to be around 500 Christian prisoners of faith in Eritrea, many imprisoned indefinitely under appalling conditions. Jehovah’s Witnesses were stripped of their citizenship and basic civil rights by presidential decree in October of 1994. In 2006, Release International and others submitted a petition to this effect signed by more than 110,000 people. The prisoners had been held without charge or trial for periods of between two and 12 years. The prisoners, among them 11 women, were released on bail from Mai-Sirwa prison… Seven of the group’s followers have died in Eritrea, either in prison or shortly […] afrol News, 25 May - Christian and Eritrean pro-democracy activists in the US have launched a campaign against religious persecution in Eritrea. The 94-year-old prelate is the patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Church and has been imprisoned by Eritrea’s President Isaias Afwerki for the past 13 years. eritrea - appalling religious situation continues to deteriorate Recent reports from Compass Direct (CD) indicate that the appalling religious situation in Eritrea continues to deteriorate. In February the Jehovah’s Witnesses news service, JW News, and Human Rights Concern Eritrea, reported that Tsehaye Tesfamariam, a Jehovah’s Witness, who was arrested in 2009 and imprisoned at the Me’eter Prison Camp until 2015, died in November 2016 from an illness contracted while in prison that authorities reportedly refused to treat. None have been charged or sentenced. Meanwhile, the commissioners praised some blacklisted countries, including Eritrea, for releasing religious prisoners during the pandemic. The religious freedom situation in Eritrea under the regime of President Isaias Afwerki remains extremely grave, with an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 religious prisoners and reports of torture and other inhumane treatment of religious prisoners. All other religious groups are illegal, and the government heavily controls approved churches. Three men walk towards the Nda Mariam Orthodox Church in Asmara. Enda Mariam church in Asmara, Eritrea T he Eritrean government has released on bail more than 20 prisoners detained for years because of … Since 1998 Eritrea is at War, harboring proxy warriors especially the notorious Al- Shabab. ASMARA, Eritrea (Anawim Today)- At least 70 Christians from evangelical and orthodox backgrounds have been recently released from three prisons in Eritrea. After decades of near total diplomatic isolation, 2018 was a year of significant change in Eritrea’s relationship with its neighbors. Eritrea is a highly centralized, authoritarian regime under the control of President Isaias Afwerki. President Isaias Afwerki views devoted Christians and others as a threat to his power base. Eritrea is one of the most secretive and isolated countries of the world. The vast majority of religious prisoners of conscience are members of unreg - istered churches. They are now in their late 30’s–early 40’s and still in prison. July 20, 2018 Asmara, Eritrea, Human rights, Prisons, Religious freedom Eritrea released at least 35 Christians from prison earlier this week, reports the Eritrean news site Asmarino Independent. Eritrea is called the North Korea of Africa. They have spent between 5 and 26 years in prison. While the country’s closed nature makes exact numbers difficult to determine, the State Depart - ment reports 1,200 to 3,000 persons are imprisoned on religious grounds in Eritrea. estimate that 2,000 to 3,000 persons are imprisoned on religious grounds in Eritrea. Major Religions: The population is nearly evenly divided between Sunni Muslims and Christians, about 3 percent of whom are evangelical Christians. Eritrea Cracks Down on Evangelical Christians. CD reports: "Newly compiled statistics smuggled out of Eritrea indicate that at least 1,918 Eritrean citizens are imprisoned and being subjected to torture and forced labor because of their religious beliefs. However, the number of adherents is subject to debate, with estimates of the Christian share of the population ranging from 46% to 63%, and estimates of the Muslim share ranging from 36% to 52%. Since May 2002, the Eritrean government has officially recognized the Eritrean … Reports of torture and other abuses of religious prisoners continue. Religion in Eritrea mainly consists of Abrahamic faiths. Three persons detained for religious objections to military service reportedly died in custody during 2013. “In 2020, approximately 500 to 1,200 individuals were estimated to be in prison in Eritrea due to their faith.” The detainees were freed on Dec. 4, while 24 others still remain in prison, according to a statement on its website. Eritrea: Religious Prisoner Count Tops 1,900 "Compass," September 8, 2006. They have been reported at Sawa military training centre (where 57 religious prisoners were held in containers in mid-2003), Adi Abeto prison, Dahlak Kebir prison, Mai Serwa, Alla near Decamare, Mai Edaga near Decamhare, Mai Temenei in Asmara, Tehadasso army prison, and other prisons. Religious prisoners are often tortured in Eritrea. In 2020, however, a wave of prisoner releases began (see below) that saw over 170 Christians freed by the following spring. In 2002, the government outlawed every religion except for Sunni Islam, Eritrean Orthodox, Roman Catholicism and the Lutheran Church. Release International said it repeatedly called on Eritrea to free its Christian prisoners and permit full religious freedom. A leading human rights watchdog has released a new report on religious persecution in Eritrea, demanding the government to end such activities On Wednesday, Amnesty International AI released Eritrea Religious Persecution, documenting 44 incidents of religious persecution in Eritrea since 2003 Most of the persecuted churches documented by the report are Evangelical-, Lutheran- or … * even amidst their suffering, Eritrea's Christian prisoners may experience the presence and love of Christ and be strengthened and enabled by the Spirit of God to both endure suffering and radiate grace; may God bless and comfort the Church. The first 70 were arrested on 23 June in Keren. Eritrea released 28 Jehovah’s Witnesses who spent between five and 26 years in prison without trial, the religious group said. In 2006, Release International and others submitted a petition to this effect signed by more than 110,000 people. The first 70 were arrested on 23 June in Keren. Religious prisoners have reportedly been beaten and tortured. Sources told the British broadcaster that the prisoners are from evangelical and Pentecostal denominations, some held at Mai Serwa prison outside the capital Asmara. Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) confirmed the news, putting the number released at 27. Those following other religions are estimated at 2-4% of the population. The prisoners, among them 11 women, were released on bail from Mai-Sirwa prison, just outside the capital Asmara. YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon – Eritrea’s recent release of over 170 Christians since last summer doesn’t signal a turn towards religious freedom in the East African country, activists are warning. Abuse in national service is rampant and is the principal reason why thousands flee the country annually. In 2006, Release International and others submitted a petition to release signed by more than 110,000 people. “Many army conscripts have also been locked up for practising their faith”, it said. ‘Full religious freedom’ Release International has repeatedly called on Eritrea to free its Christian prisoners and permit full religious freedom. On February 1, 21 female and 43 male prisoners were released from Mai Serwa and Adi Abeito prisons, close to the capital city, Asmara. He was ordained as the third Patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Tawahedo Church in 2004. (FILE) Released prisoners reported harsh detention and life-threatening conditions, including solitary confinement. The detainees were freed on Dec. 4, while 24 others still remain in prison, according to a statement on its website. Up to 1800 Christians are currently being detained in Eritrea. 202-797-2105 3032. Mitire – military detention North East Eritrea purpose built to house religious prisoners (i.e. Eritrea’s national service is harsh, pays a pittance and goes on indefinitely. There are no reliable statistics of religious affiliation in Eritrea. Eritrea did release several hundred religious prisoners on bail in 2020, apparently in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but USCIRF reports that many more remain. The situation for Eritrean believers has not changed, and very few Christian prisoners have been released. 2/8/2021 Eritrea (International Christian Concern)- 70 Christians have been set free from three separate Eritrean prisons, according to a Christian Solidarity Worldwide report. eritrea, News, Religious Liberty / By Jubilee Campaign. Eritrea still holds hundreds of Prisoners incarcerated for their Religious Faith (London 18-07-2018) Release Eritrea has confirmed that this morning around 30 prisoners who were imprisoned for their Christian faith have been released. Amnesty International (AI) is also demanding the release of Eritrea' s prisoners of conscience, releasing a report on 18 September 2003 entitled "Eritrea: Continued detention of prisoners of conscience and new arrests of members of religious groups". In spite of the significant regional political changes and the 2018 peace agreement between Eritrea and Ethiopia, Eritrea continues to have one of the worst religious freedom records in the world, and has shown little interest in concretely improving the situation”. ‘Full religious freedom’ Release International has repeatedly called on Eritrea to free its Christian prisoners and permit full religious freedom. The situation is particularly dire The prisoners from Christian evangelical and Pentecostal denominations were among those held in a prison outside the capital, Asmara. Amnesty International: "You have no right to ask" Secret Prisons in Eritrea. The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom stated in its 2019 report that despite positive changes in air travel, telecommunication and trade, no real progress had been made on religious freedom and human rights in Eritrea. Prisoners are not permitted to pray aloud, sing, or preach, and no religious books are allowed. eritrea, Eritrea, News, Religious Liberty / By Jubilee Campaign On September 23, 2020, Barnabas Fund received news and subsequent confirmation from their contacts on the ground that Eritrea has formally released 69 Christian prisoners of conscience- some of whom have been in imprisoned for almost two decades- in a new wave of releases. In August, Eritrea announced it was releasing some Pentecostal Christians, among others, in a move to prevent the spread of coronavirus in its overcrowded jails. In August, Eritrea announced it was releasing some Pentecostal Christians, among others, in a move to prevent the spread of coronavirus in its overcrowded jails. Source: Al Jazeera… She is a prisoner of conscience, jailed simply for trying to exercise her human rights to leave the country. During the reporting period, there were a few reported incidents of new arrests. Eritrea Frees Religious Prisoners Jailed for a Quarter Century Samuel Gebre 12/7/2020. World Religion Jehovah's Witnesses Eritrea Religious freedom This week marked 25 years in prison without charges or trial for three men in Eritrea. Refworld is the leading source of information necessary for taking quality decisions on refugee status. A Jehovah's Witness statement said its members were […] Jehovah witnesses) Haddis Ma’askar army prison near Sawa military camp – with underground structures Ala Bazit – military prison on the road between Dekhamere and Massawa Mai Dima – military prison camp operated by the intelligent unit It says sources have said that the prisoners are from Christian evangelical and Pentecostal denominations, some held in a prison … Eritrea released at least 69 Christian prisoners in recent weeks, including many detained in horrific circumstances for their faith “for up to 16 years without trial,” aid workers told BosNewsLife. HRWF (04.12.2020) – On December 4, 2020, 26 male and 2 female Jehovah’s Witnesses in Eritrea were set free after being imprisoned for their faith. Many of the leading lights of the Eritrean Orthodox Church and any clergy deemed to sympathize with the imprisoned patriarch have been languishing in prison, some since 2014. All other religious groups are illegal, and the government heavily controls approved churches. Eritrea - Religion. Release International said its partners believe this number could be as high as 150. The first 70 were arrested on 23 June in Keren. The only result of the mediation was that Eritrea released four prisoners-of-war in 2016, after eight years of captivity; Djibouti claims Eritrea holds a dozen more. The government continued to “recognize” only four religious denominations as legitimate: Sunni Islam, Eritrean Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Evangelical (Lutheran) churches. Eritreans affiliated with “unrecognized” faiths risk raids on their homes, imprisonment, and torture; release requires written renunciation of religious affiliation. Almost 2 months later, on August 18 th , 80 more were arrested in Godayef, and taken to a nearby police station before disappearing. Released religious prisoners interviewed by USCIRF report having been confined in … That we know of, Christians under arrest because of their faith number around 150 in Eritrea. Usually, conscripts go into the military. More Evangelicals in Eritrea Arrested. Release International said there are now an estimated 165 Christian prisoners in state jails in Eritrea. Eritrea is one of the most secretive and isolated countries of the world. Eritrea has released 28 members of the Jehovah's Witnesses group after they served prison terms. Religious Intolerance Continues in Eritrea. The Office of Religious Affairs has registered four religious groups: the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church, Sunni Islam, the Roman Catholic Church, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Eritrea (affiliated with the Lutheran World Federation). Jehovah's Witnesses are … 240 religious prisoners released on bail in Eritrea 15 houses of worship attacked by non-state actors in Nigeria 9 Yazidi shrines destroyed by Turkish-backed militias in northern Syria ‘Full religious freedom’ Release International has repeatedly called on Eritrea to free its Christian prisoners and permit full religious freedom. The detainees were freed on Dec. 4, while 24 others still remain in prison, according to a statement on its website. Almost 2 months later, on August 18 th , 80 more were arrested in Godayef, and taken to a nearby police station before disappearing. In 2006, Release International and others submitted a petition to this effect signed by more than 110,000 people. Religious prisoners are routinely sent to the harshest prisons and receive some of the cruelest punishments. Three young men; Isaac, Negede and Paulos; were 18 and 21 year old when they were arrested in September 24, 1994. Wenjel Mirmera … NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) – For the last two decades, Eritrean authorities have persecuted religious groups, frequently arresting church leaders and … Refworld contains a vast collection of reports relating to situations in countries of origin, policy documents and positions, and documents relating to international and national legal frameworks. The international community is well-aware of Eritrea’s mistreatment of Jehovah’s Witnesses and other religious minorities. In 2002, the government outlawed every religion except for Sunni Islam, Eritrean Orthodox, Roman Catholicism and the Lutheran Church. The Eritrean government has released over thirty detainees who till now were being held for belonging to unregistered Christian denominations. Recently, with a tidal wave of support to the imprisoned patriarch, priests, monks and deacons, including five monks from the historic monastery of Debre Bizen, have been rounded up and imprisoned. ‘Eritrea has been likened to the North Korea of Africa,’ says Release International CEO Paul Robinson. Pray With 141 Christians, Including 14 Children, Arrested in Eritrea. August 06, 2014. There are believed to be around 500 Christian prisoners of faith in Eritrea, many imprisoned indefinitely under appalling conditions. Eritrea has released 28 members of the Jehovah's Witnesses group after they served prison terms of up to 26 years, the Christian denomination said in a statement seen by Reuters … Current Religious Prisoners of Conscience Patriarch Abune Antonios Eritrea Patriarch Abune Antonios was born on July 12, 1927, in Himberti, a town north of the Eritrean capital, Asmara.

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