Olympic Athlete and Other Eritreans Released After 18 Years Without Trial, Family Members Report
Thirteen individuals held for more than 18 years without trial in Eritrea have been freed from a infamous military prison, as stated by family members of the detainees.
Those released were a number of prominent figures, such as elderly Olympic athlete and entrepreneur Zeragaber Gebrehiwot.
They had been held at Mai Serwa prison, renowned for its severe environment and where many detainees are believed to be political prisoners.
Circumstances Surrounding the Detention
A source who was previously held in Mai Serwa indicated the prisoners were taken into custody in October 2007 following an attempted assassination on a high-ranking state security official in the government.
Around 30 people were initially detained, per the source. Some have been released over the years, but about 20 stayed imprisoned.
Profile of an Athlete
Zeragaber raced in the Moscow Olympics in 1980 when Eritrea was part of Ethiopia.
The nation in the Horn of Africa, which achieved sovereignty from Ethiopia in 1993, has a strong tradition of cycling and its riders have steadily gained global acclaim in recent years.
List of Released
Those released with Zeragaber include prominent businessmen Tesfalem Mengsteab and Bekure Mebrahtu as well as the Habtemariam brothers - David, an technical professional, and Matthews, a geometrist.
Six senior police officers and an state security officer were released as well.
The Eritrean government has remained silent regarding the releases.
A significant number of the former detainees are in poor health and this may be the reason why they have been freed now.
Families were prohibited to visit the prisoners throughout their incarceration, the family members reported.
Global Condemnation and Prison Conditions
United Nations bodies and human rights groups have long accused the Eritrean government of gross human rights violations, including torture, enforced disappearances and the detention of tens of thousands of people in deplorable circumstances.
Mai Serwa prison, located about 9km north-west of the capital, Asmara, has grown over the years to incorporate 20 metal shipping containers in which prisoners are held without contact, sources have indicated.
Background on Government Rule
Over the last three decades, Eritrea has continued to be a single-party nation with no functioning constitution. It is one of the most militarised societies, with indefinite military conscription.
There has been no free press since the shutdown of independent newspapers and detention of most of their staff in 2001.
This occurred after the government detained 15 politicians referred to as the G-15, along with 16 journalists, after they called for that the head of state put into effect the draft constitution and conduct democratic polls.
Per rights groups, the fate and whereabouts of 11 of the politicians, as well as the journalists allegedly having links to the G-15, remain unknown.
Now 79 years old, the president marked 32 years in power and has yet to participate in an election.
