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Eritrea releases prisoners held for nearly two decades without trial
Thirteen individuals, including a former Olympic cyclist and business figures, have been freed from Eritrea's Mai Serwa military prison after more than 18 years in detention, relatives confirmed to the BBC on Thursday.
Who were the detainees?
The group included Zeragaber Gebrehiwot, a 69-year-old businessman and cyclist who competed for Eritrea in the 1980 Moscow Olympics while the country was still part of Ethiopia. Others released were entrepreneurs Tesfalem Mengsteab and Bekure Mebrahtu, along with the Habtemariam brothers-David, an engineer, and Matthews, a surveyor. Six senior police officers and an internal security agent were also among those freed.
Why were they imprisoned?
The detainees were arrested in October 2007 following an alleged assassination attempt on Col. Simon Gebredingil, a high-ranking security official in President Isaias Afwerki's government. Around 30 people were initially detained, with some released over the years. Approximately 20 remained in custody until this week.
A former Mai Serwa inmate, speaking anonymously to the BBC, said the prison is notorious for holding political prisoners in harsh conditions. Many of those freed are reportedly in poor health, which may have prompted their release.
Conditions in Mai Serwa prison
Located 9 km northwest of the capital, Asmara, Mai Serwa has expanded over the years to include 20 metal shipping containers used to hold prisoners incommunicado. Families were barred from visiting throughout the detainees' imprisonment, and human rights groups have long condemned the facility for torture and inhumane treatment.
Last year, former finance minister Berhane Abrehe died in custody after six years without trial. Abrehe, who served under President Isaias until 2012, was detained after publishing a book criticizing the president as a "dictator" who should resign. His death in Asmara's Carshelli prison was reported by UK-based Human Rights Concern - Eritrea.
Eritrea's human rights record
The United Nations and advocacy groups have repeatedly accused Eritrea's government of systemic rights abuses, including forced disappearances, indefinite detentions, and the absence of due process. The country has been a one-party state since gaining independence from Ethiopia in 1993, with no functioning constitution or free press.
In 2001, the government arrested 15 politicians (the G-15) and 16 journalists after they demanded democratic reforms and the implementation of a draft constitution. According to Amnesty International, the whereabouts of 11 politicians and several journalists remain unknown.
President Isaias Afwerki, now 79, has ruled Eritrea for 32 years without elections. The country remains one of the world's most militarized societies, with mandatory indefinite conscription.
No official statement from government
As of Friday, Eritrean authorities had not commented on the releases. The BBC reported that families were informed of the detainees' freedom but provided no further details about their condition or next steps.
