Demonstration for release of Eritrean Prisoners

Supporters of five religious freedom organisations yesterday protested peacefully outside the Eritrean Embassy in London against human rights violations in Eritrea.

Over 80 supporters of Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), Release Eritrea (RE), Church in Chains (Ireland), Open Doors and Release International took part in the demonstration, which culminated in the presentation of a letter calling for the release of all prisoners held without charge or trial, including up to 3000 Christians.

The protest was briefly marred when a male government supporter tried to assault a photographer, while his female counterpart harassed some of the demonstrators and was moved on by police. Others filmed participants from the Embassy’s windows.

As the protest took place, news emerged from Eritrea that Abune Antonios, the ordained patriarch of the Orthodox Church, had been briefly released from stringent house arrest for medical treatment.

Yesterday’s protest marked the end of a series of solidarity actions that began on 23 May, when CSW, the Evangelical Alliance (EA) and RE held a prayer event in Birmingham. Around 90 people attended, including a sizeable number of Eritrean refugees who have suffered at the hands of the Eritrea’s notoriously repressive regime.

David Turner, National Coordinator of Church in Chains said: “It is a privilege to stand here today in solidarity with the persecuted Christians of Eritrea. Their bravery and perseverance is inspiring and we pray and look forward to the day when the doors of the prisons and shipping containers where they are being held are opened wide and they can walk out.”

Dr Berhane Asmelash, Director of Release Eritrea said: “I am touched by the solidarity of our brothers and sisters from across the UK and Ireland. We need to continue to pray and advocate on behalf of the persecuted church in Eritrea and all Eritreans.”

CSW National Director, Stuart Windsor said: “Sadly, the situation over the last 18 years since independence has worsened for Eritreans as a whole. Despite recent government claims of prosperity and full employment, there are clear and increasing indications that Eritreans continue to suffer terribly, both in and out of prison. We will continue to stand with the Eritrean people until human rights, the rule of law and true prosperity become a reality. We also reiterate our call for the international community to take a robust stand against the serious violations that continue to occur in that country, and for the immediate release of all prisoners of conscience.”

Notes to Editors:

• The Eritrean regime is one of the most repressive in Africa. Thousands of prisoners are detained arbitrarily and indefinitely in inadequate facilities where conditions are life threatening and torture is rife. Meetings of more than seven require official permission, and military service is often indefinite, with conscripts being used as forced labour in government development projects. There is looming famine, 70% of the population is malnourished, yet the government manipulates the distribution of food aid to strengthen its control of society.
• The Eritrean government is also implicated in several crises in the horn of Africa. In an unprecedented move, the African Union recently called on the United Nations Security Council to impose sanctions on Eritrea for fueling violence in Somalia by arming and bankrolling the radical al Shabab insurgents.
• Patriarch Antonios has been detained in a secret location since being illegally deposed in 2006. According to the Eritrean website inchainsforchrist.org, Abune Antonios was briefly hospitalised following complications arising from high blood pressure and severe diabetes.