Olympian and Several Eritreans Freed After Nearly Two Decades Without Trial, Family Members Report
A group of thirteen people detained for more than 18 years without being formally charged in Eritrea have been released from a notorious military detention facility, as stated by relatives of the prisoners.
Those released were a number of prominent figures, including 69-year-old Olympic athlete and businessman Zeragaber Gebrehiwot.
They had been incarcerated at Mai Serwa prison, renowned for its severe environment and where many detainees are considered political prisoners.
Circumstances Surrounding the Arrest
A source who was once detained in Mai Serwa indicated the prisoners were arrested in October 2007 following an attempted assassination on a senior state security official in the government.
Around 30 people were originally arrested, per the source. A number have been freed in the intervening period, but about 20 remained in custody.
Profile of an Olympian
Zeragaber competed in the Moscow Games in 1980 when Eritrea was a region within Ethiopia.
The nation in the Horn of Africa, which achieved sovereignty from Ethiopia in 1993, possesses a deep-rooted tradition of cycling and its cyclists have steadily gained international recognition in recent years.
Those Among the Released
The individuals freed with Zeragaber include 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 state security officer 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 now.
Relatives were prohibited to visit the prisoners throughout their detention, the relatives said.
Global Criticism and Prison Conditions
United Nations bodies and human rights groups have long accused the Eritrean government of serious abuses, including ill-treatment, forced disappearance and the imprisonment of tens of thousands of people in deplorable circumstances.
Mai Serwa prison, located about 9km north-west of the capital, Asmara, has expanded over the years to incorporate 20 metal shipping containers in which prisoners are held without contact, sources have indicated.
Context of Government Rule
Over the last three decades, Eritrea has remained a single-party nation with no functioning constitution. It is among the world's most militarized countries, with compulsory national service of unlimited duration.
There has been no free press since the closure of independent newspapers and arrest of most of their editors and journalists in 2001.
This occurred after the government detained 15 politicians referred to 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 allegedly having links to the G-15, remain unknown.
Aged 79, the president recently passed 32 years in office and has still never faced an election.