Olympian and Other Eritreans Freed After Nearly Two Decades Without Facing Charges, Relatives Report
Thirteen individuals held for over 18 years without trial in Eritrea have been freed from a notorious military prison, according to relatives of the detainees.
Among those freed were several well-known individuals, including 69-year-old Olympian cyclist and entrepreneur Zeragaber Gebrehiwot.
They had been held at Mai Serwa prison, known for its harsh conditions and where many detainees are believed to be detained for political reasons.
Circumstances Surrounding the Arrest
A source who was once detained in Mai Serwa indicated the prisoners were arrested in October 2007 after an assassination attempt on a senior state security official in the government.
Approximately thirty individuals were initially detained, per the source. Some have been freed over the years, but about 20 stayed imprisoned.
The Story of an Olympian
Zeragaber competed in the Moscow Olympics in 1980 when Eritrea was part of Ethiopia.
The nation in the Horn of Africa, which achieved sovereignty from Ethiopia in 1993, has a strong cycling culture and its riders have increasingly earned global acclaim in recent years.
Those Among the Freed
Those released alongside Zeragaber include notable entrepreneurs Tesfalem Mengsteab and Bekure Mebrahtu as well as the Habtemariam brothers - David, an technical professional, and Matthews, a surveyor.
Six senior police officers and an state security officer were released as well.
The Eritrean government has remained silent concerning the releases.
A significant number of the former detainees are in poor health and this may be the reason why they have been freed at this time.
Families were prohibited to see the prisoners during their incarceration, the relatives said.
International Criticism and Prison Conditions
The UN and rights organizations have consistently criticized the Eritrean government of serious abuses, including torture, enforced disappearances and the imprisonment of many thousands of people in deplorable circumstances.
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, according to reports.
Background on Government Control
Over the last three decades, Eritrea has remained a single-party nation with no functioning constitution. It is one of the most militarized countries, with compulsory national service of unlimited duration.
There has been no free press since the closure 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 head of state put into effect the draft constitution and conduct democratic polls.
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 leader marked 32 years in office and has still never faced an electoral contest.
