Olympian and Several Eritreans Freed After Nearly Two Decades Without Facing Charges, Family Members Report
Thirteen individuals detained for over 18 years without trial in Eritrea have been released from a infamous military prison, according to relatives of the prisoners.
Those released were a number of prominent figures, including elderly Olympian cyclist and businessman Zeragaber Gebrehiwot.
They had been held at Mai Serwa detention center, known for its harsh conditions and where many inmates are believed to be detained for political reasons.
Circumstances Surrounding the Detention
An unnamed source who was once detained in Mai Serwa stated the prisoners were taken into custody in October 2007 following an assassination attempt on a high-ranking internal security officer in the government.
Approximately thirty individuals were initially detained, per the source. Some have been released over the years, but about 20 remained in custody.
Profile of an Athlete
Zeragaber raced in the Moscow Games 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 steadily gained global acclaim over the past decade.
Those Among the Released
The individuals freed alongside Zeragaber comprise notable entrepreneurs 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 remained silent concerning the releases of the detainees.
Many of them are sick and this may be the reason why they have been freed at this time.
Families were not allowed to see the prisoners throughout their incarceration, the relatives said.
Global Condemnation and Detention Environment
The UN and human rights groups have consistently criticized the Eritrean government of gross human rights violations, including ill-treatment, enforced disappearances and the detention of tens of thousands of people in inhumane conditions.
Mai Serwa facility, situated 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, according to reports.
Background on Political Rule
Over the last three decades, Eritrea has remained a single-party nation with no active constitutional framework. It is among the world's most militarised societies, with compulsory national service of unlimited duration.
There has been an absence of independent media since the shutdown of private publications and detention of most of their staff in 2001.
This occurred after the government arrested 15 politicians referred to as the G-15, along with 16 journalists, after they called for that the president put into effect the draft 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, are still unconfirmed.
Now 79 years old, the leader marked 32 years in power and has yet to participate in an electoral contest.
