Olympian and Other Eritreans Freed After Nearly Two Decades Without Trial, Family Members Report
Thirteen individuals detained for over 18 years without trial in Eritrea have been released from a notorious military prison, as stated by family members of the prisoners.
Those released were a number of prominent figures, including elderly Olympian cyclist and businessman Zeragaber Gebrehiwot.
They had been held at Mai Serwa detention center, known for its harsh conditions and where many detainees 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 taken into custody in October 2007 following an attempted assassination on a senior internal security officer in the government.
Around 30 people were originally arrested, per the source. Some have been freed over the years, 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 tradition of cycling and its riders have steadily gained international recognition over the past decade.
Those Among the Released
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 geometrist.
Six senior police officers and an state security officer were also freed.
The Eritrean government has remained silent regarding the releases.
Many of them are sick and this could explain why they have been freed now.
Relatives were not allowed to visit the prisoners throughout their incarceration, the family members said.
Global Condemnation and Detention Environment
The UN and rights organizations have consistently criticized the Eritrean government of serious abuses, including ill-treatment, enforced disappearances and the detention of tens of thousands of people in inhumane conditions.
Mai Serwa facility, situated about 9km north-west of the capital, Asmara, has grown over the years to incorporate 20 metal shipping containers in which prisoners are held incommunicado, 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 among the world's most militarised societies, with indefinite military conscription.
There has been an absence of independent media since the shutdown of independent newspapers and detention of most of their staff in 2001.
This was when the government detained 15 politicians referred to as the G-15, along with 16 journalists, after they called for that the head of state put into effect the proposed constitution and conduct democratic polls.
According to rights groups, the fate and whereabouts of 11 of the politicians, as well as the journalists accused of links to the G-15, remain unknown.
Now 79 years old, the leader recently passed 32 years in office and has still never faced an election.
