Olympic Athlete and Several Eritreans Released After 18 Years Without Trial, Relatives Report
A group of thirteen people detained for more than 18 years without trial in Eritrea have been freed from a infamous military prison, as stated by relatives of the prisoners.
Those released were several prominent figures, such as elderly Olympian cyclist and businessman Zeragaber Gebrehiwot.
They had been held at Mai Serwa detention center, known for its harsh conditions and where many inmates are considered political prisoners.
Details of the Arrest
An unnamed source who was once detained in Mai Serwa indicated the prisoners were taken into custody in October 2007 following an assassination attempt on a high-ranking internal security officer in the government.
Around 30 people were originally arrested, per the source. Some have been freed over the years, but about 20 stayed imprisoned.
Profile of an Athlete
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 over the past decade.
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.
Six senior police officers and an internal security agent were also freed.
The Eritrean government has not issued any statement concerning the releases.
A significant number of the former detainees are sick and this may be the reason why they have been freed at this time.
Relatives were prohibited to see the prisoners during their detention, the relatives said.
International Criticism and Detention Environment
The UN and rights organizations have long accused the Eritrean government of gross human rights violations, encompassing ill-treatment, enforced disappearances and the detention of tens of thousands of people in inhumane conditions.
Mai Serwa prison, situated about 9km north-west of the capital city, Asmara, has expanded over the years to include 20 metal shipping containers in which prisoners are held without contact, sources have indicated.
Background on Political Rule
Over the last three decades, Eritrea has remained a one-party state with no active constitutional framework. It is one of the most militarised societies, with compulsory national service of unlimited duration.
There has been an absence of independent media since the closure of private publications and detention of most of their editors and journalists in 2001.
This occurred after the government detained 15 politicians known as the G-15, along with 16 journalists, after they called for that the head of state implement the draft constitution and conduct democratic polls.
Per rights groups, the fate and whereabouts of 11 of the politicians, as well as the journalists allegedly having links to the G-15, are still unconfirmed.
Aged 79, the president marked 32 years in power and has still never faced an election.