by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent
ASMARA (Worthy News) – Concerns remained Friday over the whereabouts of more than a dozen Christians who were reportedly detained during a recent gathering in the authoritarian-ruled East African nation.
On Sunday, March 15, Eritrean police arrested 13 Christians at a gathering held in an undisclosed location. The believers were then taken to a prison in the capital, Asmara, said advocacy group Voice of the Martyrs Canada, which is closely following the case.
“While the identities of the arrested individuals have not been publicly released, a recently received report indicates that one of the detainees – who previously spent 15 years in prison – was freed less than a year ago,” the group told Worthy News.
“No further information regarding the arrests is currently available. In the interim, considering the longstanding patterns of persecution in Eritrea, there are concerns that these believers may be held without any formal charges or court trial.”
PATTERN OF PERSECUTION
The arrests came after more than 100 Christians—who supporters say were imprisoned “for their faith” in Christ—were released.
VOMC said it has urged supporters to pray for the believers “given the harsh conditions frequently experienced in Eritrean prisons.”
It called for prayers for “God’s protection, strength and sustaining presence” for the arrested believers “and all other followers of Christ who are currently being detained.”
The group added it still hopes that changes will take place “within Eritrea’s political system – opening the way for positive reforms that will result in freedom of religion and dignity for all citizens.”
Eritrea ranks among the worst countries in the world for Christian persecution, activists say, placing 4th on the latest annual World Watch List compiled by Open Doors, which tracks nations where Christians reportedly face the most severe oppression.
RESTRICTED RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Under longtime authoritarian President Isaias Afwerki, only a limited number of religious groups are officially recognized, with authorities seeking tight control over all sections of society.
Allowed denominations include the Eritrean Orthodox Church, the Roman Catholic Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and Islam.
All other Christian groups are banned and often forced to operate underground, while even within officially recognized churches some believers have faced persecution, according to advocacy groups.
People identifying as Christians reportedly make up roughly half of Eritrea’s 3.5 to 4 million population, with Muslims accounting for a similar share.
Rights groups say many believers—especially from unregistered evangelical or Pentecostal churches—have been detained for years without trial, often in harsh conditions, including shipping containers or remote prison camps.
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