Olympic Athlete and Several Eritreans Freed After Nearly Two Decades Without Facing Charges, Relatives Say
A group of thirteen people held for over 18 years without trial in Eritrea have been freed from a infamous military prison, according to family members of the detainees.
Those released were a number of prominent figures, including 69-year-old Olympian cyclist and entrepreneur Zeragaber Gebrehiwot.
They had been incarcerated at Mai Serwa prison, known for its harsh conditions and where many inmates 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 assassination attempt on a high-ranking internal security officer in the government.
Around 30 people were initially detained, according to the source. A number have been released over the years, but about 20 stayed imprisoned.
Profile of an Olympian
Zeragaber raced in the Moscow Olympics in 1980 when Eritrea was a region within Ethiopia.
The mountainous country, which gained its independence from Ethiopia in 1993, has a strong tradition of cycling and its riders have steadily gained global acclaim in recent years.
Those Among the Released
The individuals freed with Zeragaber include 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 internal security agent were also freed.
The Eritrean government has made no official comment 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.
Relatives were prohibited to visit the prisoners during their detention, the relatives reported.
International Condemnation and Prison Conditions
The UN and human rights groups have long accused the Eritrean government of gross human rights violations, encompassing torture, forced disappearance and the imprisonment of many thousands of people in inhumane conditions.
Mai Serwa facility, located about 9km north-west of the capital city, Asmara, has grown over the years to incorporate 20 metal shipping containers in which prisoners are held without contact, sources have indicated.
Background on Government Control
For the past thirty years, Eritrea has remained a one-party state 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 closure of independent newspapers and arrest of most of their staff in 2001.
This occurred after the government detained 15 politicians known as the G-15, along with 16 journalists, after they demanded that the head of state implement the proposed constitution and conduct democratic polls.
According to rights groups, the status and location of 11 of the politicians, as well as the journalists allegedly having links to the G-15, are still unconfirmed.
Now 79 years old, the leader marked 32 years in office and has yet to participate in an election.
