Olympic Athlete and Other Eritreans Released After 18 Years Without Trial, Family Members Report
A group of thirteen people held for over 18 years without being formally charged in Eritrea have been freed from a notorious military detention facility, as stated by relatives of the prisoners.
Those released were a number of well-known individuals, including elderly Olympian cyclist and entrepreneur Zeragaber Gebrehiwot.
They had been incarcerated at Mai Serwa detention center, renowned for its harsh conditions and where many inmates are believed to be political prisoners.
Circumstances Surrounding the Arrest
A source who was previously held in Mai Serwa indicated the prisoners were arrested in October 2007 after an assassination attempt on a high-ranking state security official in the government.
Around 30 people were originally arrested, according to the source. A number 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 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 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 technical professional, and Matthews, a surveyor.
A half-dozen high-level police officials and an internal security agent were released as well.
The Eritrean government has remained silent regarding the releases of the detainees.
A significant number of the former detainees are sick and this could explain why they have been freed at this time.
Families were prohibited to visit the prisoners throughout their detention, the relatives said.
International Criticism and Detention Environment
The UN and human rights groups have consistently criticized the Eritrean government of gross human rights violations, including torture, enforced disappearances and the imprisonment 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 include 20 metal shipping containers in which prisoners are held without contact, sources have indicated.
Background on Political Rule
For the past thirty years, Eritrea has remained a one-party state with no functioning constitution. It is among the world's most militarised societies, with indefinite military conscription.
There has been no free press since the shutdown of private publications and arrest 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 president implement the draft constitution and hold open elections.
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, remain unknown.
Now 79 years old, the leader marked 32 years in office and has yet to participate in an electoral contest.
