URGENT ACTION

Eritrea: Further information on: Fear of torture / fear of ill-treatment / Detention without charge

PUBLIC AI Index: AFR 64/009/2004
26 November 2004

Further Information on UA 67/04 (AFR 64/001/2004, 18 February 2004) and
follow-up (AFR 64/007/2004, 16 July 2004) - Fear of
torture/ill-treatment/detention without charge

ERITREA Akberet Gebremichael (f), aged 30 ]
Asmerom Beraki (m), aged 50 ]
Rebka Gebretensae (f), aged 39 ] Jehovah’s Witnesses
Tekle Gebrehiwet (m), aged 40 ]
Tsegaberhan Berhe (m), aged 41 ]
Yemane Tsegay (m), aged 41 ]
Four others, names not known ]

Released: Gebrehiwet Tedla (m), aged 87 ]
Gebreselassie Adhanom (m), aged 94 ]
Mikias Gebru (m), aged 19 ]
Samson Tesfalem (m), aged 24 ]
Sertsu Yilma (m), aged 55 ]
Tedros Atsbeha (m), aged 25 ]

Six of the detainees named above are now known to have been released without
charge in September, but a further four Jehovah's Witnesses arrested more
recently are now said to be held incommunicado in the Mai Serwa military
prison, near the capital, Asmara.

Among those released are the two oldest of the prisoners of conscience arrested
in Asmara on 24 January 2004, Gebrehiwet Tedla (87) and Gebreselassie Adhanom
(94). Two women and four men arrested with them are still held in Mai Serwa
military prison. They are reported to be held in metal shipping containers,
where conditions are harsh and infectious diseases such as diarrhoea are
common. None has been brought before a court or charged with any offence.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Six other Jehovah’s Witnesses are detained in Sawa military training centre
because of their religious opposition to military service: Aron Abraha (since
May 2001), Mussie Fessehaye (since 2003), and Ambakom Tsegezab (since February
2004), as well as the three who have been detained at Sawa for 10 years, since
24 September 1994: Paulos Eyassu, Isaak Moges and Negede Teklemariam. One of
the Sawa prisoners is said to be held in chains. Amnesty International
continues to campaign for the release of these prisoners of conscience.