Thirteen individuals held for more than 18 years without being formally charged in Eritrea have been freed from a notorious military detention facility, as stated by family members of the detainees.
Among those freed were a number of well-known individuals, including elderly Olympian cyclist and businessman Zeragaber Gebrehiwot.
They had been incarcerated at Mai Serwa detention center, renowned for its severe environment and where many inmates are believed to be detained for political reasons.
Circumstances Surrounding the Arrest
A source who was previously held in Mai Serwa indicated the prisoners were arrested in October 2007 following an assassination attempt on a senior internal security officer in the government.
Approximately thirty individuals were initially detained, according to the source. A number have been freed in the intervening period, but roughly two dozen stayed imprisoned.
Profile of an Olympian
Zeragaber raced in the Moscow Games in 1980 when Eritrea was a region within Ethiopia.
The mountainous country, which achieved sovereignty from Ethiopia in 1993, has a strong cycling culture and its riders have steadily gained international recognition over the past decade.
Those Among the Freed
Those released with Zeragaber comprise prominent businessmen 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 internal security agent were released as well.
The Eritrean government has not issued any statement regarding the releases.
A significant number of the former detainees are in poor health and this may be the reason why they have been freed now.
Relatives were prohibited to see the prisoners throughout their incarceration, the relatives reported.
International Condemnation and Detention Environment
The UN and human rights groups have consistently criticized the Eritrean government of serious abuses, encompassing ill-treatment, enforced disappearances and the imprisonment of tens of thousands of people in deplorable circumstances.
Mai Serwa prison, situated about 9km north-west of the capital, Asmara, has expanded over the years to include 20 metal shipping containers in which prisoners are held without contact, sources have indicated.
Background on Political Control
Over the last three decades, Eritrea has remained a single-party nation with no functioning constitution. It is one of the most militarised societies, with indefinite military conscription.
There has been no free press since the closure of independent newspapers and detention of most of their editors and journalists in 2001.
This occurred after the government arrested 15 politicians referred to as the G-15, along with 16 journalists, after they demanded that the head of state implement the draft 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 marked 32 years in office and has yet to participate in an election.
