Calls for release of Eritrean pastors held 20 years
Luke Randall
Christians have been called to remember their fellow believers amidst intensifying persecution in Eritrea. Oft dubbed the "North Korea of Africa," the state cracks down on dissent, and an Open Doors spokesperson has called for believers not to “be blind to the suffering of our persecuted brothers and sisters."
Open Doors are one of several charities which have called for the release of seven church leaders in Eritrea who have been held without charge for over 20 years. The men are yet to stand trial, and their families have not been allowed to visit them, in a situation emblematic of the suffering of Christians all over the country.
Eritrea: Horror grows for believers in E. African state
Iain Taylor
A number of children are among the 218 Christians arrested by the Eritrean Government in the last year as it steps up its campaign against Christianity across the country. This latest crackdown means that around 400 Christians are currently imprisoned – indefinitely, without trial or charge – because of their faith.
UK-based Release International (RI) partner Dr Berhane Asmelash, a former prisoner of faith, says: ‘Most were taken from their houses, some at 3am. In the last round of arrests not only have children been arrested with their parents, but in some cases entire families are now in prison.