Olympic Athlete and Other Eritreans Freed After Nearly Two Decades Without Facing Charges, Family Members Report
A group of thirteen people held for over 18 years without trial in Eritrea have been freed from a infamous military prison, as stated by relatives of the prisoners.
Among those freed were a number of prominent figures, such as 69-year-old Olympic athlete and businessman Zeragaber Gebrehiwot.
They had been held at Mai Serwa prison, renowned for its harsh conditions and where many inmates are believed to be detained for political reasons.
Circumstances Surrounding the Arrest
A source who was once detained in Mai Serwa stated the prisoners were taken into custody in October 2007 following an assassination attempt on a high-ranking internal security officer in the government.
Around 30 people were originally arrested, according to the source. Some have been freed in the intervening period, but about 20 remained in custody.
Profile of an Athlete
Zeragaber competed 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 increasingly earned global acclaim over the past decade.
Those Among the Freed
The individuals freed alongside Zeragaber include notable entrepreneurs Tesfalem Mengsteab and Bekure Mebrahtu as well as the Habtemariam brothers - David, an technical professional, and Matthews, a geometrist.
A half-dozen high-level police officials and an internal security agent were also freed.
The Eritrean government has remained silent regarding the releases of the detainees.
Many of them are in poor health and this may be the reason why they have been freed at this time.
Relatives were prohibited to see the prisoners throughout their detention, the relatives said.
International Condemnation and Prison Conditions
United Nations bodies and human rights groups have long accused the Eritrean government of gross human rights violations, encompassing torture, enforced disappearances and the imprisonment of tens of thousands of people in inhumane conditions.
Mai Serwa prison, situated about 9km north-west of the capital, Asmara, has grown over the years to incorporate 20 metal shipping containers in which prisoners are held incommunicado, according to reports.
Background on Government Rule
For the past thirty years, 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 closure of private publications and arrest of most of their staff in 2001.
This was when the government arrested 15 politicians referred to as the G-15, along with 16 journalists, after they demanded that the head of state put into effect the draft constitution and hold open elections.
Per advocacy organizations, the status and location of 11 of the politicians, as well as the journalists accused of links to the G-15, are still unconfirmed.
Now 79 years old, the president marked 32 years in office and has still never faced an election.
