In total, over 50 Jehovah's Witnesses are currently imprisoned in Eritrea, and all are kept at Mai Serwa prison. Imprisoned for Their Faith, Share Data retrieved from JW.org on September 2014. When Jehovah’s Witnesses called on him, he told them that he had met Witnesses in his homeland. Three Witnesses are released from prison. Imprisonment … Eritrea arrests and imprisons Jehovah’s Witnesses—including women and the elderly—without trial or formal charges for religious activity or for undisclosed reasons. Four are reported to have died in prison due to maltreatment. For more... https://www.jw.org/…/…/eritrea/jehovahs-witnesses-in-prison/ Eritrea arrests and imprisons Jehovah’s Witnesses—including women and the elderly—without trial or formal charges for religious activity or for undisclosed reasons. Admin l Saturday, December 05, 2020 . Copyright © 2021 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. On December 4, 2020, 28 Jehovah’s Witnesses (26 males and 2 females) were set free after being imprisoned for their faith. Death of Yohannes Haile, aged 68, while imprisoned under extreme conditions. He said that while he was in the military there, he had seen that Witnesses who were imprisoned for their faith refused to be pressured to enter the army, even when they were treated harshly. . According to the Eritrean media, Adi Abeto prison, designed to hold 800, had 2,500 inmates, and 500 prisoners were forced to share only 20 toilets at Mai Serwa maximum-security prison. In September, HRWF […] While in prison, this man saw firsthand that Jehovah’s Witnesses live by what they teach. To see a list of all of Jehovah’s Witnesses currently imprisoned for their faith in Eritrea, click on the link below. He noted their honesty and that they even shared their food with other prisoners. To date, at least 73 Jehovah’s Witnesses are in Eritrean prisons suffering harrowing conditions [1]. The commission emphasized the need for Eritrea to ensure that Jehovah’s Witnesses “retain their citizenship rights.”, In May 2019, the UN Human Rights Committee (CCPR) urged Eritrea to guarantee the effective exercise of freedom of religion and belief and to “release all persons arrested or detained for exercising their freedom of religion, including Jehovah’s Witnesses.” The CCPR also requested that Eritrea “ensure the legal recognition of conscientious objection to military service and provide for alternative service of a civilian nature for conscientious objectors.”. Jehovah’s Witnesses in Prison in Eritrea. One of the reasons given was their refusal to go on military service. A man imprisoned in Eritrea found himself with 3 of Jehovah’s Witnesses incarcerated for their faith since 1994. In September 2018, he was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. BREAKING NEWS | Eritrea Releases 28 Jehovah’s Witnesses From Prison On December 4, 2020, 26 brothers and 2 sisters in Eritrea were set free after being imprisoned for their faith. JW.org "We feel deeply for Isaac, Negede, and … Escape From An Eritrean Prison : Parallels Thousands of prisoners are held in detention camps throughout Eritrea, according to Amnesty International. Eritrea has released 28 members of the Jehovah's Witnesses group after they served prison terms. All 700 of them, both men and women, relieve themselves out in the open. Government closes down all religious groups not operating under the four government-approved faiths. They have spent between 5 and 26 years in prison. Habtemichael Tesfamariam died at age 76 on January 3, and Habtemichael Mekonen died at age 77 on March 6. members of the Jehovah Witness faith” and called for an investigation of the reported deaths of Witnesses in detention. Would you like to read this article in %%? At Mai Serwa Maximum Security prison, there are only 20 toilets for 500 detainees. On December 4, 2020, 26 brothers and 2 sisters in Eritrea were set free after being imprisoned for their faith. BREAKING NEWS | Eritrea Releases 28 Jehovah’s Witnesses From Prison On December 4, 2020, 26 brothers and 2 sisters in Eritrea were set free after being imprisoned for their faith. In 2016, the Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in Eritrea determined that Eritrean authorities have committed a “crime against humanity” because of their “persecution on both religious and ethnic grounds” of Jehovah’s Witnesses and others. Take the pledge to show your support and solidarity with the persecuted Jehovah's witnesses in Eritrea.List of Jehovah’s Witnesses currently in prison in Eritrea(None have been charged or sentenced. This press release is from www.jw-media.org "Nine long years in Eritrean prison camp" On September 24, 1994, three young men—Paulos Eyassu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariam—were imprisoned in Eritrea without charges or trial. PRIVACY POLICY, https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/m/1012732/univ/art/1012732_univ_sqr_xl.jpg, Audio download options Would you like to read this article in %%? Twenty-four Jehovah’s Witnesses remain in prison at this time (16 males and 8 females). 631. This experience made a deep impression on this sincere man, and after settling in Norway, he wanted to find out why Jehovah’s Witnesses have such strong faith. Major human rights bodies have condemned the violations of basic rights and continue urging Eritrea to rectify the situation. Prior to enforcing conscription, the authorities in Eritrea provided for genuine alternative civilian service. | Download list in PDF here: List of JW … Three of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Eritrea have begun their 22nd year in confinement for conscientious objection to military service. Presidential decree stripping Jehovah’s Witnesses of citizenship and basic civil rights. Authorities begin raids of homes and places of work to arrest 24 Witnesses, most of them breadwinners of their families. Eritrea Jails another 31 Christians: ERITREA: 1,700 Christians in prison in 2005 : Prisoner of conscience/Torture or ill-treatment/Detention without charge,2005: Prisoners of Conscience / Torture or ill-treatment, 2004 BREAKING NEWS | Eritrea Releases 28 Jehovah’s Witnesses From Prison On December 4, 2020, 26 brothers and 2 sisters in Eritrea were set free after being imprisoned for their faith. In 2018, two Witnesses died after their transfer to the Mai Serwa Prison. Three elderly Witnesses, Kahsai Mekonnen, Goitom Gebrekristos, and Tsehaye Tesfariam, died after their release as a result of the conditions they endured while in custody in the Meitir Camp. The government may be releasing prisoners … There he found himself with three Witnesses—Paulos Eyasu, Negede Teklemariam, and Isaac Mogos—who had been incarcerated for their faith since 1994. He Learned From Prisoners, Share “Some of those Witnesses have been imprisoned for more than 20 years. Authorities transfer all but one of Jehovah’s Witnesses jailed in police stations to the Meitir Prison Camp. On January 29, 2021, one male Witness was released after being imprisoned for over 12 years, and an additional three Witnesses were released on February 1, 2021 (one male and two females). Eritrean authorities imprisoned both men in 2008 without charges. Eritrea has released 28 members of the Jehovah's Witnesses group after they served prison terms of up to 26 years, the Christian denomination said in a statement seen by Reuters on Monday. In a sudden turn of events, the man himself was put in prison. At the Mai Serwa Asmera Flowers facility, in reality a forced labour camp where Jehovah’s Witnesses and other detainees are forced to work on flower farms, there are no toilets for detainees. As of 1 June 2020, HRWF documented 55 cases of Jehovah’s Witnesses in its Prisoners’ Database,[2] 46 men and 9 women. Jehovah’s Witnesses were stripped of their citizenship and basic civil rights by presidential decree in October of 1994. More than 90 Witnesses arrested during the annual observance of the Memorial of Christ’s death. Since becoming an independent country in 1993, Eritrea has consistently imprisoned, tortured, and harassed Jehovah’s Witnesses. In its statement, the Jehovah's Witnesses said 28 of its members incarcerated in Eritrea were freed on Dec. 4 after serving sentences of ranging from five to 26 years. All Witnesses detained in the Meitir Camp are transferred to the Mai Serwa Prison outside of Asmara. 31-38 - Yearbook—2016 Strengthen Your Faith in What You Hope For (1 occurrence) Locations where Jehovah’s Witnesses are put in prison, sometimes under harsh conditions, for practicing their faith and exercising basic human rights. . Eritrea persists in disregarding international human rights standards. Numerous Witnesses took part in this service under different government administrations. The Eritrean government's persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses … The authorities systematically issued “Certificates of Completed National Service” and often praised the participants for their work. HRWF (04.12.2020) – On December 4, 2020, 26 male and 2 female Jehovah’s Witnesses in Eritrea were set free after being imprisoned for their faith. ASMARA, Eritrea – After spending so many years in prison for not committing any offence but just because they are members of the most peaceful and law abiding religious organisation – Jehovah’s Witnesses, the authorities in Eritrea have released 28 members of Jehovah’s Witnesses. In 1994 the citizenship for all members of the church was revoked and followers are routinely imprisoned without trial. They have spent between 5 and 26 years in prison. . . First communities of Jehovah’s Witnesses are established in Eritrea. Twenty Jehovah’s Witnesses remain in prison at this time (14 males and 6 females). Twenty Jehovah’s Witnesses remain in prison at this time (14 males and 6 females). International rights groups are aware of the situation of Jehovah's Witnesses in Eritrea and have repeatedly called for Eritrean authorities to end the persecution. TERMS OF USE “It is in Eritrea, more than anywhere else in the world, that Jehovah’s Witnesses experience the most intense persecution,” says a report on the Jehovah’s Witnesses web site, JW.org. President Afewerki revoked the Witnesses’ citizenship by a presidential decree dated October 25, 1994, because they did not participate in the 1993 independence referendum and they conscientiously object to military service. In its statement, the Jehovah's Witnesses said 28 of its members incarcerated in Eritrea were freed on Dec. 4 after serving sentences of ranging from five to 26 years. He saw how they live by what they teach. 112 days in prison, 220 days under house arrest Обновлено 23.03.2020 Korotun Yevgeniy Коротун, Евгений As of this writing, 73 Witnesses are in prison, including women, children, and the elderly. In 2011 and 2012, two Witnesses died because of the inhumane treatment in the Meitir Prison Camp. Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariam have been imprisoned in Eritrea since 1994. Eritrea arrests and imprisons Jehovah’s Witnesses—including women and the elderly—without trial or formal charges for religious activity or for undisclosed reasons. Two Elderly Witnesses Die in Eritrean Prison. Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos, and Negede Teklemariam imprisoned without charge or trial. yb16 pp. In a sudden turn of events, the man himself was put in prison. Eritrea released 28 Jehovah’s Witnesses who spent between five and 26 years in prison without trial, the religious group said. Why Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Maintain Political Neutrality? There are reports from Eritrea that the government has released 27 Christian prisoners of faith, and hopes are rising that more could follow. France The Eritrean government has released on bail more than 20 prisoners detained for years because of their faith, the BBC reports. Four Witnesses have died while imprisoned in Eritrea, and three elderly Witnesses have died after their release from prison because of the harsh conditions they experienced while detained. BREAKING NEWS | Eritrea Releases 28 Jehovah’s Witnesses From Prison On December 4, 2020, 26 brothers and 2 sisters in Eritrea were set free after being imprisoned for their faith. They had been imprisoned for between four and nine years. Thus, when the Witnesses contacted him, he immediately began to study the Bible with them and to attend their meetings. Here's the story of one man who made it … The Eritrean government has not officially commented on the reported release of the prisoners, but it has previously dismissed accusations of intolerance to religious freedom. Jehovah’s Witnesses Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos, and Negede Teklemariam were imprisoned in Eritrea since 1994. Jehovah’s Witnesses behind bars: some statistics. While in prison, this man saw firsthand that Jehovah’s … In line with the tenets of their faith, Eritrean Jehovah’s Witnesses did not participate in the 1993 referendum on Eritrea’s independence. None have been charged or sentenced. Eritrea (MNN) — At least 31 Christians have been released from prison in Eritrea. Death of Misghina Gebretinsae, aged 62, while imprisoned under extreme conditions. and improve the conditions of detention in accordance with international standards.” In a 2015 resolution, the HRC called upon the government of Eritrea to “provide for conscientious objection to military service.”. It is in Eritrea, more than anywhere else in the world, that Jehovah’s Witnesses experience the most intense persecution. On the basis of the presidential decree, however, security forces have imprisoned, tortured, and harassed Jehovah’s Witnesses in an effort to force them to renounce their faith. List of Jehovah’s Witnesses currently in prison in Eritrea (None have been charged or sentenced. TERMS OF USE He observed how his fellow prisoners who were Witnesses studied the Bible together every day and invited others to join them. They had each spent between 5 and 26 years in prison. Eritrea has released 28 members of the Jehovah's Witnesses group after they served prison terms of up to 26 years, the Christian denomination said in a statement seen by Reuters on Monday. There he found himself with three Witnesses—Paulos Eyasu, Negede Teklemariam, and Isaac Mogos—who had been incarcerated for their faith since 1994. When they were offered freedom if they would sign a statement renouncing their faith, they refused. | A Jehovah's Witness statement said its members were […] They have yet to … In 2017, the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) expressed its concern that despite the existence of legal protections, “children who belong to the Jehovah Witnesses” are not able to enjoy the benefits of this right and face harsh treatment. Some had been held for more than 10 years. Twenty-eight Jehovah’s Witnesses (26 males and 2 females) were set free on December 4, 2020, after being imprisoned for their faith for between 5 and 26 years each. KAMPALA, Dec 7 (Reuters) - Eritrea has released 28 members of the Jehovah's Witnesses group after they served prison terms of up to 26 years, the Christian denomination said in … Source: jw.org BREAKING NEWS | Eritrean Authorities Release Three More Jehovah’s Witnesses Imprisoned for Their Faith On February 1, 2021, Eritrean authorities released one brother and two sisters from prison. Misghina Gebretinsae, aged 62, died in July 2011 as a result of the extreme heat he experienced in a punishment area described as the “underground.” Yohannes Haile, aged 68, died on August 16, 2012, after almost four years of imprisonment under similar conditions. NameGenderAgeImprisoned sinceYears in PrisonAge arrestedLocation … Twenty-eight Witnesses are released from prison. In Eritrea, Jehovah’s Witnesses are in prison as conscientious objectors to military service, for holding underground religious meetings or for attempts to share their beliefs with others. Since there are no effective domestic legal procedures or remedies available to them, their imprisonment amounts to a de facto life sentence. Thirty-one Witnesses arrested during a Bible study meeting. He Learned From Prisoners, Jehovah’s Witnesses Imprisoned for Their Faith—By Location. Imprisoned for Their Faith, Jehovah’s Witnesses Imprisoned for Their Faith—By Location, SPECIAL REPORT: The Persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Eritrea, Expert Views on the Right of Conscientious Objection. In total, over 50 Jehovah's Witnesses are currently imprisoned in Eritrea, and all are kept at Mai Serwa prison. Twenty Jehovah’s Witnesses remain in prison at this time (14 males and 6 females). A man came to Norway as a refugee from Eritrea in 2011. Twenty Jehovah’s Witnesses remain in prison at this time (14 males and 6 females). ASMARA, Eritrea – After spending so many years in prison for not committing any offence but just because they are members of the most peaceful and law abiding religious organisation – Jehovah’s Witnesses, the authorities in Eritrea have released 28 members of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Copyright © 2021 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. In Eritrea, the report mentioned that 52 Jehovah’s Witnesses were in jail (as mentioned earlier, 28 were released on December 4). Authorities raid a Witness home during a religious service and arrest all 23 Witnesses present, ages 2 to 80. PRIVACY POLICY, https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/m/502019283/univ/art/502019283_univ_sqr_xl.jpg, Audio download options In Eritrea, Jehovah’s Witnesses are in prison as conscientious objectors to military service, for holding underground religious meetings or for attempts to share their beliefs with others. These young men refused to join the military and take up arms. Jehovah’s Witnesses have been persecuted from the outset for their stand on political neutrality and conscientious objection to military service. Jehovah’s Witnesses behind bars: some statistics Most of those arrested on April 14 are released, but 20 of those arrested on April 27 are yet detained. Campaigners advocating for religious freedom say three Jehovah Witnesses have been in prison in the country for more than 25 years. BREAKING NEWS | Eritrea Releases 28 Jehovah’s Witnesses From Prison On December 4, 2020, 26 brothers and 2 sisters in Eritrea were set free after being imprisoned for their faith. Hundreds of Jehovah’s Witnesses are in prison for practicing their faith. Death of Habtemichael Tesfamariam, aged 76, after his transfer to the Mai Serwa Prison. Most of the imprisoned male Witnesses are incarcerated indefinitely, with no hope of release until they die or are near death. He now uses every opportunity he has to contact people from Eritrea and Sudan, encouraging them to study the Bible and develop strong faith. SOUTH KOREA At present, 599 young Witness men are each serving 18-month prison terms for conscientious objection to military service. Death of Habtemichael Mekonen, aged 77, after his transfer to the Mai Serwa Prison. Download list in PDF here: List of JW in Eritrea.) Data retrieved from JW.org on September 2014. Eritrea arrests and imprisons Jehovah’s Witnesses—including women and the elderly—without trial or formal charges for religious activity or for undisclosed reasons. The ACERWC recommended that Eritrea “recognise and fully implement a child’s Freedom of Thought, Conscience and Religion with no discrimination.”, In 2018, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights recommended that Eritrea “take urgent measures to address the denial of basic rights of all detained persons, including . In 2014, the Human Rights Council (HRC) welcomed the report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea, which urged the authorities to respect the right of conscientious objection “in accordance with international norms” and to “guarantee the physical integrity of all prisoners; ensure access to medical treatment for those in need . A trusted contact of Release International says the government has just set free 27 prisoners, most of whom have been behind bars for more than ten years. In October last, 69 Christians had been released, apparently due to the Covid, but five more had been arrested.