Seven Christian pastors in Eritrea have spent 21 years behind bars without trial, and Christian charities are renewing calls for their freedom.
Open Doors UK & Ireland has joined with Voices 4 Justice, a new international network of organisations, to press for their release. The appeal was launched on Friday 22 August, which the United Nations marks as the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief.
Eritrea recognises only Catholic, Orthodox and Lutheran churches. Believers outside these traditions are at risk of arrest, fines and harsh imprisonment. Reports describe detainees held in extreme conditions, including in shipping containers. Eritrea ranks sixth on the Open Doors World Watch List of countries where Christians face the heaviest persecution.
The pastors named are Rev Haile Naizge, Dr Kuflu Gebremeskel, Rev Million Gebreselassie, Dr Futsum Gebrenegus, Rev Dr Tekleab Menghisteab, Rev Gebremedhin Gebregiorgis and Pastor Kidane Weldou. They were arrested in the early 2000s in police raids or at checkpoints and have never been charged or allowed access to lawyers. Their families have not been permitted to see them during their imprisonment.
“These men represent the suffering of countless prisoners of conscience in Eritrea who are held without charge or fair trial,” said Tiffany Barrens, Global Advocacy Director at Open Doors International.
The group is believed to be confined at Wengel Mermera Criminal Investigation Centre, a high-security facility in the capital, Asmara. During their long detention, some relatives have passed away, while others have fled the country.
Three of the pastors are Orthodox priests who had supported a renewal movement within their church. The Eritrean authorities ordered the patriarch to shut the movement down and remove thousands of members. When he refused, he was deposed and placed under house arrest. The arrests of the other pastors remain unexplained, though experts believe the government views churches as a threat to its political control.
Persecution continues across the country. Open Doors reports that more than 120 Christians were arrested between January and May this year, including 35 taken from their homes in night raids in April.
On Thursday 21 August, supporters of Voices 4 Justice held a peaceful demonstration outside the Eritrean Embassy in London and delivered a letter demanding the pastors’ release.
Christians are being asked to pray for the seven church leaders and for all believers in Eritrea who continue to face pressure and persecution for their faith.
Adapted from Open Doors.
