Seven Eritrean Church Leaders Remain Imprisoned Without Trial

Decades-Long Detainment of Church Leaders in Eritrea Persists Amidst Recent Prisoner Releases

Recent developments in Eritrea have seen the release of several prisoners, including Christians, though seven prominent church leaders continue to languish in detention without formal charges or trials. These leaders, held for over 20 years, remain imprisoned as reported by Open Doors, a Christian persecution advocacy group.

The prisoners released recently include various individuals such as believers, businesspeople, and politicians. However, the seven church leaders Open Doors has supported remain behind bars. Their identities—Rev. Dr. Tekleab Menghisteab, Rev. Million Gebreselassie, Rev. Kidane Weldou, Rev. Gebremedhin Gebregiorgis, Dr. Kuflu Gebremeskel, Dr. Futsum Gebrenegus, and Rev. Haile Naizge—have been revealed, highlighting their lengthy detainment without trial or legal representation.

Open Doors highlighted that family visits, legal counsel, and court appearances have been denied to these leaders. The harsh conditions in Eritrean prisons have led to serious health issues among detainees, which some speculate may have influenced the selective recent releases.

Despite the liberation of some prisoners, advocacy remains critical, as Open Doors’ Tiffany Barrens emphasizes the ongoing plight of numerous prisoners of conscience, including those jailed for their religious beliefs. Jo Newhouse, a spokesperson for Open Doors, expressed relief at the release but noted the continued advocacy needed for the wellbeing of the freed individuals and those still detained.

Among those detained, Menghisteab, Gebrenegus, and Gebregiorgis were taken into custody on November 19, 2004, due to their involvement in a renewal movement within the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church. They are believed to be held in the Wengel Mermera Criminal Investigation Center, known for its severe conditions.

The prisoners have faced personal tragedies, with Gebrenegus losing his wife and father, and Gebregiorgis’ wife passing away from cancer during their incarceration. Menghisteab’s family sought refuge abroad due to safety concerns.

Naizge and Gebremeskel were apprehended in early-morning raids on May 23, 2004. Both have been reportedly detained incommunicado since. Their families have also suffered, with Naizge’s mother passing away without a final reunion and his family fleeing to North America.

Rev. Million Gebreselassie, arrested on June 3, 2004, after being stopped at a police checkpoint, was initially held at Asmara’s 2nd Police Station before being moved to Wengel Mermera. Rev. Kidane Weldou was the last of the seven to be detained, abducted in March 2005 in Asmara.

Eritrea officially recognizes four religious groups only, creating a challenging environment for others, including Evangelical and Pentecostal Christians. The U.S. Department of State notes that no new registrations have been approved since 2002, illustrating the restrictive religious landscape.

Under President Isaias Afwerki’s long-standing regime, Eritrea has been likened to “North Korea of Africa” due to its authoritarian rule, lack of democratic elections, and suppression of dissent, viewing independent religious practices as threats to its power.