Olympian and Other Eritreans Freed After 18 Years Without Facing Charges, Relatives Report
Thirteen individuals held for over 18 years without being formally charged in Eritrea have been released from a infamous military prison, as stated by relatives of the detainees.
Those released were several prominent figures, such as elderly Olympic athlete and businessman Zeragaber Gebrehiwot.
They had been incarcerated at Mai Serwa prison, known for its harsh conditions and where many detainees are believed to be political prisoners.
Circumstances Surrounding the Arrest
A source who was previously held in Mai Serwa indicated the prisoners were taken into custody in October 2007 following an assassination attempt on a high-ranking state security official in the government.
Around 30 people were initially detained, according to the source. A number have been released in the intervening period, but roughly two dozen remained in custody.
Profile of an Olympian
Zeragaber competed in the Moscow Olympics in 1980 when Eritrea was a region within Ethiopia.
The nation in the Horn of Africa, which achieved sovereignty from Ethiopia in 1993, possesses a deep-rooted tradition of cycling and its cyclists have increasingly earned international recognition in recent years.
Those Among the Freed
Those released with Zeragaber include notable entrepreneurs Tesfalem Mengsteab and Bekure Mebrahtu as well as the Habtemariam brothers - David, an technical professional, and Matthews, a surveyor.
A half-dozen high-level police officials and an state security officer were also freed.
The Eritrean government has not issued any statement regarding the releases of the detainees.
A significant number of the former detainees are in poor health and this could explain why they have been released at this time.
Families were prohibited to see the prisoners during their detention, the family members said.
International Condemnation and Prison Conditions
The UN and human rights groups have long accused the Eritrean government of gross human rights violations, including ill-treatment, enforced disappearances and the detention of tens of thousands of people in deplorable circumstances.
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 Political Rule
Over the last three decades, Eritrea has remained a one-party state with no functioning constitution. It is among the world's most militarised societies, with compulsory national service of unlimited duration.
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 arrested 15 politicians referred to as the G-15, along with 16 journalists, after they demanded that the president implement the draft constitution and conduct democratic polls.
Per rights groups, the fate and whereabouts of 11 of the politicians, as well as the journalists accused of links to the G-15, remain unknown.
Now 79 years old, the president recently passed 32 years in office and has still never faced an electoral contest.
