Christians Released in Eritrea
Monday, May 10th, 2021
Barnabas Fund reports the men were held in the infamous Dahlak Island Prison.
A Barnabas contact says the men are believed to be the last of a group of 66 Christians detained in 2017.
The reason for the latest releases is unknown but an Eritrean church leader told Barnabas it’s likely the Christian men will be forced to join the army.
The men’s release came shortly after authorities freed all but one of 23 Christians arrested at a prayer meeting in March.
It’s estimated that 129 Christians are being detained in Eritrea’s jails, often enduring inhumane conditions.
Christians Released from Eritrean Prison After Detention Without Charge
Wednesday, February 17th, 2021
Dozens of Christians have been freed from prison in Eritrea after being held for years without charge.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reports that the Christians – 70 in total – came from evangelical and Orthodox backgrounds, with prison sentences ranging from two to 12 years.
CSW said they were detained without charge or trial, and “should never have been incarcerated”.
The freed prisoners include six women who were arrested on a street after worshipping in public.
Although their release has been welcomed, CSW said it is possible that Eritrea is trying to deflect international attention away from its involvement in the ongoing war in Ethiopia’s Tigray region.