Eritrean Embassies Refuse Petitions To Free Christian Leaders Jailed 20+ Years As Global Protests Demand Immediate Release – OpEd
By Kashif Nawab
The Embassy of the State of Eritrea has refused to accept a petition calling for the release of seven Christian leaders imprisoned without charge or trial for over two decades, highlighting the regime’s blatant disregard for international law and human rights.
Human rights advocates, faith groups, and members of the Eritrean diaspora staged protests, prayers, and embassy visits in Belgium EritreaEU Sweden, swedenineritrea the UK ERUK1991 and Washington, D.C. EmbassyEritrea to mark the International Day for Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief. Eritrea has often been described as “the North Korea of Africa” for its extreme repression of religious freedom.
Since 2002, Eritrea has closed all independent churches, arresting and torturing thousands of Christians merely for practicing their faith. Detainees have been held in shipping containers, underground cells, and other inhumane conditions. Among those most affected are seven senior church leaders—including Rev. Haile Naizge, Dr. Kuflu Gebremeskel, and Rev. Kidane Weldou—who remain incommunicado after more than 20 years, denied medical care, legal representation, and family visits.
Speaking on X, human rights activist Joseph Janssen emphasized, “Eritrea’s refusal to even accept petitions demanding freedom for these seven Christian leaders is a blatant insult to human rights and international obligations.
The international community cannot remain silent while faith is criminalized and people are tortured for their beliefs.” He added, “For over 20 years, these leaders have suffered in inhumane conditions simply for practicing their faith.
Eritrea’s actions are unconscionable, and the international community must impose sanctions until real justice and religious freedom are restored.”
The Wengel Mermera Criminal Investigation Centre—described by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom as “atrocious”—is believed to hold these men alongside thousands of other prisoners of conscience. Families of detainees have been devastated: Rev. Naizge’s mother died without seeing her son; wives and children have fled the country under threat; and others have died in exile waiting for loved ones who never returned. “The plight of these men epitomizes Eritrea’s systematic assault on religious freedom and its cruel war against faith,” Janssen stressed. Despite repeated condemnation from the UN, African Union, and international rights groups, Eritrea has refused reform and continues to ignore its obligations under its Constitution, the African Charter, and international treaties such as the ICCPR.
Rights organisations are calling for internatonal action, urging that the EU apply diplomatic and economic pressure, and that the US leverage trade policy to secure freedom for these leaders. Advocates insist that Eritrea must immediately release the seven arbitrarily detained church leaders, end the detention of Christians and other prisoners of conscience without charge or trial, allow independent religious institutions to operate freely, and fully comply with international human rights treaties, including the ICCPR and the African Charter. Janssen concluded that the International community must condition trade and relations with Eritrea on tangible reforms and the protection of basic HumanRights.
