Christians amongst prisoners released in Eritrea 

Praise God that several Christians have been released from prison in Eritrea. Please pray for them as they recover from their awful ordeals and reintegrate into daily life.

There is good news from Eritrea, with Christians amongst several people released from prison.  

Eritrea is sixth on the World Watch List, making it a place of extreme persecution for many Christians. Only three denominations are recognised – Catholic, Lutheran and Orthodox – and those engaged with activities outside of these are highly in danger. According to current estimates, there are around 1,000 believers imprisoned in the country’s notoriously awful prison system, and they haven’t been charged with any crime. 

But in a surprising and welcome development, several believers are believed to have been released alongside businessmen and politicians.  

However, according to sources, none of the seven prominent church leaders that Open Doors, and other charities, have advocated for release are amongst those freed. Rev. Dr Tekleab Menghisteab, Rev. Million Gebreselassie, Rev. Pastor Kidane Weldou, Rev. Gebremedhin Gebregiorgis, Dr Kuflu Gebremeskel, Dr Futsum Gebrenegus and Rev. Haile Naizge have been in prison for at least 20 years.  

The reasons behind the release of prisoners are rarely provided, but one possible explanation is ill health. According to Eritrean Christians who have escaped the country after being released, prolonged detention in horrific, inhumane conditions often causes health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. Left unchecked, such conditions can and have been fatal.  

Deplorable conditions in prison 

“Not one has been charged or brought before a court,” said Tiffany Barrens, Open Doors’ International Global Advocacy Director, earlier this year. “They have had no legal representation, and their families have not been permitted to visit them. Their plight epitomises the suffering of thousands of prisoners of conscience currently held without charge or trial in Eritrea. We are calling for their immediate release.” 

“While immensely grateful, we remain apprehensive about the physical, emotional and spiritual condition of those who have been released,” said Jo Newhouse*, Open Doors spokesperson for work in sub-Saharan Africa, following this recent development. “We are also carefully watching what happens next. We ask the international community to continue advocating for the release of the seven church leaders and for the church to pray for those who are held in deplorable conditions, without proper trial or sentencing.”  

Many of you pray regularly for our persecuted family in Eritrea, and this development is a wonderful answer to prayer. Please pray for more good news to emerge in the coming weeks and months. Thank you.