Release International

The Eritrean authorities have detained scores of Christians in what appears to be a fresh wave of mass arrests.

More than 100 men, women and children from different denominations are reportedly behind bars following a government crackdown across several regions, including Asmara.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide, the human rights organisation, cites unconfirmed reports that some detainees may even have 'died from injuries' sustained under torture due to lack of medical treatment.

Among those arrested was Eritrea's most senior paediatrician, Dr Michael Mehari, who is a member of the Kale Hiwet church in Asmara and the father of four young children.

The religious rights organisation Release Eritrea reports that several teachers at a church mission school in the town of Dekemhare, south-east of Asmara, were also arrested in the crackdown. Some of these teachers are thought to be in their 60s and 70s.

All the Christians detained in the latest crackdown, which began in late-November, are said to have been transferred to a military facility. Release Eritrea points out that detainees are not allowed visits from relatives.

Eritrean Christians have been under intense pressure since May 2002 when the government banned all but four religious groups: the Orthodox Church, Sunni Muslims, Roman Catholics and Lutheran Evangelicals.

(Sources: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Release Eritrea)

Pray for all the Christian families affected by the recent wave of arrests in Eritrea. Pray particularly for Dr Mehari and his family.

Pray for a radical change in the governing regime's mindset so that Christians are no longer perceived as a threat to national security.

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