Olympic Athlete and Other Eritreans Freed After Nearly Two Decades Without Trial, Family Members Report
A group of thirteen people detained for over 18 years without trial in Eritrea have been released from a infamous military prison, as stated by family members of the detainees.
Among those freed were a number of prominent figures, such as 69-year-old Olympian cyclist and entrepreneur Zeragaber Gebrehiwot.
They had been incarcerated at Mai Serwa detention center, renowned for its severe environment and where many inmates are believed to be political prisoners.
Details of the Detention
An unnamed source who was once detained in Mai Serwa stated the prisoners were taken into custody in October 2007 after an attempted assassination on a high-ranking state security official in the government.
Around 30 people were originally arrested, per the source. A number have been released in the intervening period, but about 20 stayed imprisoned.
Profile of an Olympian
Zeragaber competed in the Moscow Olympics in 1980 when Eritrea was part of Ethiopia.
The nation in the Horn of Africa, which achieved sovereignty from Ethiopia in 1993, has a strong cycling culture and its cyclists have steadily gained global acclaim over the past decade.
Those Among the Released
The individuals freed alongside Zeragaber comprise prominent businessmen Tesfalem Mengsteab and Bekure Mebrahtu as well as the Habtemariam brothers - David, an engineer, and Matthews, a surveyor.
Six senior police officers and an internal security agent were released as well.
The Eritrean government has remained silent concerning the releases.
Many of them are in poor health and this could explain why they have been released now.
Relatives were prohibited to see the prisoners during their detention, the relatives reported.
International Condemnation and Detention Environment
The UN and human rights groups have long accused the Eritrean government of serious abuses, including torture, enforced disappearances and the detention of many thousands of people in deplorable circumstances.
Mai Serwa facility, located about 9km north-west of the capital city, Asmara, has expanded over the years to incorporate 20 metal shipping containers in which prisoners are held without contact, according to reports.
Context of Government Rule
For the past thirty years, Eritrea has continued to be a single-party nation with no functioning constitution. It is among the world's most militarized countries, with indefinite military conscription.
There has been no free press since the shutdown 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 demanded that the head of state implement the proposed constitution and hold open elections.
According to advocacy organizations, the status and location of 11 of the politicians, as well as the journalists accused of links to the G-15, are still unconfirmed.
Now 79 years old, the leader recently passed 32 years in office and has still never faced an election.