Olympian and Several Eritreans Released After 18 Years Without Facing Charges, Family Members Say
A group of thirteen people detained for over 18 years without trial in Eritrea have been released from a infamous military prison, as stated by family members of the prisoners.
Those released were a number of prominent figures, including elderly Olympian cyclist and entrepreneur Zeragaber Gebrehiwot.
They had been held at Mai Serwa prison, known for its severe environment and where many inmates are believed to be political prisoners.
Details of the Arrest
An unnamed source who was previously held in Mai Serwa indicated the prisoners were taken into custody in October 2007 after an attempted assassination on a senior 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, possesses a deep-rooted cycling culture and its riders have increasingly earned global acclaim over the past decade.
List of Freed
The individuals freed alongside Zeragaber comprise prominent businessmen Tesfalem Mengsteab and Bekure Mebrahtu as well as the Habtemariam brothers - David, an technical professional, and Matthews, a geometrist.
A half-dozen high-level police officials and an internal security agent were released as well.
The Eritrean government has made no official comment concerning the releases of the detainees.
A significant number of the former detainees are sick and this could explain why they have been released now.
Families were prohibited to see the prisoners throughout their incarceration, the family members reported.
International Criticism and Detention Environment
The UN and rights organizations have consistently criticized the Eritrean government of serious abuses, including torture, enforced disappearances and the detention of tens of thousands of people in deplorable circumstances.
Mai Serwa prison, located about 9km north-west of the capital city, Asmara, has expanded over the years to incorporate 20 metal shipping containers in which prisoners are held incommunicado, sources have indicated.
Context of Political Control
Over the last three decades, Eritrea has continued to be a one-party state with no functioning constitution. 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 shutdown of independent newspapers and detention of most of their editors and journalists in 2001.
This was when the government detained 15 politicians known as the G-15, along with 16 journalists, after they called for that the president implement the proposed constitution and hold open elections.
Per advocacy organizations, the status and location of 11 of the politicians, as well as the journalists accused of links to the G-15, remain unknown.
Now 79 years old, the president recently passed 32 years in power and has still never faced an election.