Eritrea--Christian Persecution in Eritrea

Africa: Eritrea Country Report Last Updated: May 2003 Code: Not rated
	(Click here for a list of ICC articles on Eritrea.) List of Articles Last Updated: May 1, 2003

Religious Atmosphere: Approximately half of Eritrea’s population is Christian and half is Muslim. There doesn’t seem to be any significant religious strife in this country.

• No extremist groups have been cited for incidents of persecution in this country.

• The current draft of the constitution provides for the freedom of religion and the right to practice the religion of one's choice.
• The government has banned any religious organizations from participating in politics.
• Specific guidelines have been issued that govern the role of religious organizations and their relationships with foreign sponsors.

Recent Actions:

• May 7, 2003 - Two evangelists and 54 members of the Rema Church in Asmara were hauled off to the police station for holding an "illegal prayer meeting." The evangelical believers were reportedly given "severe punishment" by the police. The Rema Church has been harassed by authorities for the past year and has been refused registration. (Compass Direct/VOM)
     
• April 18, 2003 - Members of the Mesert Christos Church in Asmara were detained at the church all day by security police. Upon being released they were told not to meet together again. (Compass Direct)
     
• April 17, 2003 - Fifteen Christians attending a Bible study in Kushte were attacked by a group of people, which reportedly included four Orthodox priests. All were beaten so badly with sticks that they required hospitalization.
     
• March 23, 2003 - Forty people, including three children, from the Philadelphia Church in Asmara were taken to the police station where several of the men were beaten. The church's pastor and three other members were later arrested when they arrived at the police station to check on their friends. The next day the pastor was publicly tortured in front of the congregation and forced to walk on sharp rocks for half an hour. The same morning the three children were beaten and released with a warning not to attend religious meetings. Most of the Christians were released after eight days. However, relatives posting bail for the prisoners had to sign a statement that if a jailed believer was caught meeting at a church or holding a religious gathering at home, he or she would be executed. (Compass Direct)
     
• March 16, 2003 - Christians from three different churches were arrested at a prayer service held in a believer's home in the Setanta Otoo district of Asmara. Seventy-two people were jailed in metal containers at the Maiserwa Military Prison near Keren. The containers have no windows and can cause severe discomfort. Family members of those arrested were allowed to bail them out after 15 days. The prisoners were warned not to worship together or evangelize. (Compass Direct)
  
• March 9, 2003 - Thirty-six people from the Full Gospel Church were arrested and held for three days after meeting in a believer's home in Keren. Police said they received complaints about the church from the predominantly Muslim community. Seven soliders among the group were severely beaten and received harsh labor punishments when sent back to their posts. (Compass Direct)
     
• March 2, 2003 - A church leader was arrested in Massawa after conducting the wedding of a Pentecostal couple. He was held for 5 days. (Compass Direct)
     
• February 16, 2003 - Police raided a Sunday worship service at a believer's home in Adi-Quala, arresting 17 people. All of those arrested were held for 15 days and some reported being beaten with sticks. (Compass Direct)
     
• September 2002 - Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reported that at least 36 churches have been closed down. Soldiers have also reportedly been punished for possessing and reading Bibles. Many soldiers have come to Christ through FEBA radio.
      
• June 2002 - World Evangelical Alliance reported that the Eritrean government had closed down all Christian churches except those the the Eritrean Orthodox Church, the Roman Catholic Church, and the evangelical Lutherans (Mekane Yesu). The Eritrean Embassy in the US has denied knowledge of this situation.
      
• February 17, 2002 - Pentecostal believers from three congregations were arrested for attending worship services. Those arrested included 74 soldiers and 59 civilians. All were released the following day. However, the 74 soldiers were arrested again two weeks later and imprisoned at the Zone 4 Military prison near Assab. The Pentecostal soldiers were put in solitary confinement and were repeatedly beaten for refusing to return to the Orthodox Church. (Compass Direct)
     
• May 1998 – A health clinic run by the Presbyterian Church was closed by the government. Foreign church members were refused visa renewal.

• January 1998 – The government prohibited religiously affiliated organizations from operating kindergartens.

Prisoners: 74 Pentecostal soldiers continue to be held for refusing to deny their beliefs and return to the Orthodox church (see February 17, 2002 above).

• Pray for the Christians of Eritrea that they may continue to be protected from harm and that the Christian message may be heard and received by all.
• Please keep us informed of any replies or results you may receive! Contact ICC by email at icc@persecution.org.

POSTED:  May 16, 2003

ICC Articles on Eritrea:

• May 2003 - Prayer - Eritrea, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan