Olympian and Several Eritreans Released After 18 Years Without Trial, Relatives Say
Thirteen individuals detained for more than 18 years without being formally charged in Eritrea have been released from a infamous military detention facility, according to family members of the detainees.
Among those freed were several well-known individuals, such as 69-year-old Olympic athlete and entrepreneur Zeragaber Gebrehiwot.
They had been incarcerated at Mai Serwa prison, renowned for its harsh conditions and where many inmates are believed to be political prisoners.
Details of the Detention
An unnamed source who was once detained in Mai Serwa stated the prisoners were taken into custody in October 2007 after an attempted assassination on a high-ranking internal security officer in the government.
Around 30 people were initially detained, according to the source. Some have been freed in the intervening period, but roughly two dozen stayed imprisoned.
Profile of an Athlete
Zeragaber raced in the Moscow Games in 1980 when Eritrea was part of Ethiopia.
The nation in the Horn of Africa, which gained its independence from Ethiopia in 1993, has a strong cycling culture and its cyclists have steadily gained global acclaim over the past decade.
Those Among the Released
The individuals freed with Zeragaber comprise notable entrepreneurs Tesfalem Mengsteab and Bekure Mebrahtu as well as the Habtemariam brothers - David, an technical professional, and Matthews, a surveyor.
Six senior police officers and an state security officer were also freed.
The Eritrean government has not issued any statement regarding the releases.
Many of them are in poor health and this could explain why they have been released now.
Families were prohibited to see the prisoners throughout their detention, the family members said.
Global Criticism and Detention Environment
United Nations bodies and rights organizations have consistently criticized the Eritrean government of serious abuses, including ill-treatment, forced disappearance and the imprisonment of tens of thousands of people in inhumane conditions.
Mai Serwa prison, located about 9km north-west of the capital, Asmara, has expanded over the years to include 20 metal shipping containers in which prisoners are held incommunicado, according to reports.
Background on Government Rule
Over the last three decades, Eritrea has remained a one-party state with no active constitutional framework. It is one of the most militarized countries, with compulsory national service of unlimited duration.
There has been no free press since the shutdown of independent newspapers and arrest of most of their staff in 2001.
This occurred after the government detained 15 politicians referred to as the G-15, along with 16 journalists, after they demanded that the president put into effect the proposed constitution and hold open elections.
According to 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 recently passed 32 years in power and has still never faced an electoral contest.
