Olympian and Other Eritreans Freed After 18 Years Without Trial, Family Members Say
A group of thirteen people detained for more than 18 years without trial in Eritrea have been released from a notorious military prison, as stated by family members of the detainees.
Those released were several prominent figures, including 69-year-old Olympic athlete and businessman Zeragaber Gebrehiwot.
They had been incarcerated at Mai Serwa detention center, renowned for its severe environment and where many detainees are believed to be political prisoners.
Details of the Detention
A source who was once detained in Mai Serwa stated the prisoners were arrested in October 2007 following an assassination attempt on a high-ranking state security official in the government.
Approximately thirty individuals were initially detained, according to the source. Some have been freed over the years, but about 20 stayed imprisoned.
Profile of an Athlete
Zeragaber competed in the Moscow Olympics in 1980 when Eritrea was part of Ethiopia.
The mountainous country, which achieved sovereignty from Ethiopia in 1993, has a strong tradition of cycling and its riders have increasingly earned international recognition in recent years.
Those Among the Released
Those released alongside 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 made no official comment concerning the releases.
A significant number of the former detainees are sick and this could explain why they have been freed at this time.
Families were not allowed to visit the prisoners during their detention, the relatives reported.
International Condemnation and Detention Environment
The UN and rights organizations have consistently criticized the Eritrean government of serious abuses, including ill-treatment, forced disappearance and the detention of many thousands of people in deplorable circumstances.
Mai Serwa prison, situated about 9km north-west of the capital, Asmara, has expanded over the years to include 20 metal shipping containers in which prisoners are held without contact, according to reports.
Background on Political Rule
For the past thirty years, Eritrea has remained a single-party nation with no functioning constitution. It is among the world's most militarized countries, with indefinite military conscription.
There has been no free press 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 demanded that the head of state implement the proposed constitution and conduct democratic polls.
Per advocacy organizations, 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 recently passed 32 years in office and has still never faced an electoral contest.
