Olympian and Other Eritreans Freed After Nearly Two Decades Without Facing Charges, Family Members Say
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 a number of prominent figures, such as 69-year-old Olympian cyclist 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 detained for political reasons.
Details of the Detention
An unnamed source who was once detained in Mai Serwa stated the prisoners were arrested in October 2007 following an attempted assassination on a high-ranking state security official in the government.
Approximately thirty individuals were initially detained, per the source. A number have been released over the years, but about 20 stayed imprisoned.
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 gained its independence from Ethiopia in 1993, possesses a deep-rooted tradition of cycling and its cyclists have steadily gained international recognition in recent years.
List of Freed
Those released with Zeragaber include prominent businessmen Tesfalem Mengsteab and Bekure Mebrahtu as well as the Habtemariam brothers - David, an engineer, and Matthews, a surveyor.
A half-dozen high-level police officials and an internal security agent were released as well.
The Eritrean government has remained silent regarding the releases.
Many of them are sick and this could explain why they have been freed now.
Families were prohibited to see the prisoners during their incarceration, the relatives said.
International Criticism and Prison Conditions
The UN and rights organizations have long accused the Eritrean government of serious abuses, including ill-treatment, forced disappearance and the detention of many thousands of people in deplorable circumstances.
Mai Serwa facility, located about 9km north-west of the capital city, Asmara, has expanded over the years to incorporate 20 metal shipping containers in which prisoners are held without contact, sources have indicated.
Background on Government Control
Over the last three decades, Eritrea has remained a single-party nation with no active constitutional framework. It is among the world's most militarized countries, with indefinite military conscription.
There has been an absence of independent media since the shutdown of private publications and arrest of most of their editors and journalists in 2001.
This occurred after the government arrested 15 politicians known 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 allegedly having links to the G-15, are still unconfirmed.
Aged 79, the president recently passed 32 years in power and has yet to participate in an electoral contest.
