Church leader is finally buried

Pastor Tesfay Seyoum, the founder and leader of Meserete Kristos Church who died on 9 April and was denied a burial place in his home area due to his religious beliefs, was finally buried on 22 April.

Pastor Seyoum was laid to rest at 5pm in St. Teklehaymanot Cemetery in the HazHaz suburb in the north of Asmara. He had been detained in Mai Serwa prison near the capital, Asmara, for ten years, but had recently suffered a brain haemorrhage. The pastor was sent to hospital for treatment, but died two months later, leaving behind his wife and daughter.

According to a CSW source, Eritreans are traditionally buried in their home areas. Consequently, following his death, Pastor Seyoum’s body was taken to his house in the Godaif neighbourhood, his home area in the south of Asmara, in preparation for burial. However, permission for a site was denied, reportedly by officials and members of the local community, on account of his Evangelical beliefs.

In a departure from traditional norms which require a body to be buried as close to the time of death as possible, the pastor’s remains lay unburied for 13 days, occasioning distress for his family, friends and congregation.

CSW’s Head of Advocacy and Africa Team Leader Dr Khataza Gondwe said: ‘CSW is relieved that Pastor Seyoum’s loved ones were finally able to lay him to rest; however, we reiterate that the additional stress placed on this grieving family by preventing his burial in his hometown is completely unacceptable. Once again, we extend our condolences, and urge the Eritrean authorities to ensure that no further cruelties are inflicted on the family. We also continue to call for the immediate and unconditional release of all prisoners of conscience, including those detained on account of their religion or belief, and for the international community to hold the Eritrean government accountable for historic and continuing violations of the right to freedom of religion or belief.’