Eritrea arrests Christians again, raising new fears of persecution

Stephen J. By Bose, Chief International Correspondent of Worthy News

Asmara (meaningful news) – Concerns remained Friday over the whereabouts of more than a dozen Christians who were reportedly detained during a recent gathering in the authoritarian-ruled East African nation.

On Sunday, March 15, Eritrean police arrested 13 Christians at a gathering held at an undisclosed location. The believers were then taken to a prison in the capital, Asmara, said the advocacy group Voice of the Martyrs Canada, which is closely following the case.

“Although the identities of the arrested individuals have not been publicly released, a recently received report indicates that one of the detainees – who had previously spent 15 years in prison – was released less than a year ago,” the group told Worthy News.

“No further information regarding the arrests is currently available. In the interim, given the long-running pattern of persecution in Eritrea, there are concerns that these believers may continue to be detained without formal charges or court trial.”

pattern of harassment

The arrests came after the release of more than 100 Christians – whom supporters say were imprisoned “for their faith in Christ”.

VOMC said it urged supporters to pray for the believers “given the harsh conditions often experienced in Eritrean prisons.”

It called for prayers for “God’s protection, strength and continued presence” for the arrested believers and all other followers of Christ currently being detained.

The group said it still hoped “there will be changes within the Eritrean political system – opening the way for positive reforms that will result in freedom of religion and respect for all citizens.”

Activists say Eritrea is one of the world’s worst countries for Christian persecution, ranking fourth in the latest annual World Watch List compiled by Open Doors, which tracks countries where Christians reportedly face the most severe persecution.

restricted religious freedom

Under longtime authoritarian President Isaias Afwerki, only a limited number of religious groups are officially recognized, with authorities seeking tighter control over all sections of society.

Accepted denominations include the Eritrean Orthodox Church, the Roman Catholic Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and Islam.

According to advocacy groups, all other Christian groups are banned and are often forced to operate underground, while some believers have faced persecution even within officially recognized churches.

People identifying as Christians reportedly make up about half of Eritrea’s 3.5 to 4 million population, with a similar share of Muslims.

Rights groups say many believers – particularly from unregistered evangelical or Pentecostal churches – have been detained for years without trial, often in harsh conditions, including shipping containers or remote prison camps.

lift it up in prayer

8

People are praying right now.

latest lol news