Olympian and Several Eritreans Freed After Nearly Two Decades Without Trial, Relatives Say
A group of thirteen people held for over 18 years without being formally charged in Eritrea have been freed from a infamous military detention facility, according to relatives of the prisoners.
Those released were several well-known individuals, such as elderly Olympian cyclist and entrepreneur Zeragaber Gebrehiwot.
They had been held at Mai Serwa prison, known for its harsh conditions and where many inmates are believed to be detained for political reasons.
Details of the Arrest
An unnamed source who was previously held in Mai Serwa stated the prisoners were arrested in October 2007 following an assassination attempt on a senior state security official in the government.
Around 30 people were initially detained, per the source. A number have been released in the intervening period, but about 20 stayed imprisoned.
Profile of an Olympian
Zeragaber raced in the Moscow Olympics in 1980 when Eritrea was part of 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 steadily gained global acclaim in recent years.
Those Among the Freed
The individuals freed with Zeragaber comprise 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 state security officer were also freed.
The Eritrean government has made no official comment regarding the releases.
A significant number of the former detainees are in poor health and this may be the reason why they have been released at this time.
Families were prohibited to see the prisoners throughout their detention, the family members reported.
International Criticism and Prison Conditions
The UN and human rights groups have long accused the Eritrean government of serious abuses, encompassing torture, enforced disappearances and the detention of tens of thousands of people in inhumane conditions.
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, according to reports.
Context of Government Control
Over the last three decades, Eritrea has continued to be a one-party state with no functioning constitution. It is among the world's most militarized countries, with indefinite military conscription.
There has been an absence of independent media since the closure 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 head of state put into effect the proposed constitution and hold open elections.
Per rights groups, the status and location of 11 of the politicians, as well as the journalists allegedly having links to the G-15, remain unknown.
Now 79 years old, the president marked 32 years in power and has still never faced an election.
