Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariam members of the Jehovah Witness faith were arrested over 25 years ago for objecting to military service that goes against their religion. forcibly returned to Eritrea from two camps in Tigray, many of whom were allegedly I was speaking with Jehovah, petitioning and giving all the reasons why their trial had to come to an end. Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea (Report A/HRC/41/53) May 16, 2019. https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/G1914037.pdf. We call on the ultimate responsibility for human rights violations that are allegedly being On 1 February, 21 female and 43 male prisoners were released Estimates suggest that thousands of Eritrean soldiers have fought in the Tigray War on the side of the Ethiopian government. a essas acusaes em julgamento. Why is same-sex marriage an issue in the election of the new Scottish First Minister? Last night I spoke to my husband about my prayers and what more I could say, as I had already given Jehovah several valid reasons why this matter had to come to a close. ", In one case of torture at Sawa, a witness said unsuccessful deserters were tied to a corpse: One had been shot running away, the other two had their hands tied to the feet of the dead person. I am also concerned of the imapact of the national serice on the right to educaiton of Eritrean students. While in prison, this man saw firsthand that Jehovahs Witnesses live by what they teach. "I was with him the night before they arrested him," said Eyasu's friend, who asked for anonymity for protection. CSW has been informed that 70 Christians from evangelical See brochure: SPECIAL REPORT: The Persecution of Jehovahs Witnesses in Eritrea.. In Eritrea, Jehovahs Witnesses are in prison as conscientious objectors to military service, for holding underground religious meetings or for attempts to share their beliefs with others. ", CSW's Founder President Mervyn Thomas said: "CSW welcomes the release of these Christians in Eritrea, who were detained without charge or trial, and should never have been incarcerated. attention from the countrys active role in the ongoing Learn more about each topic, see who's involved, and find the latest news, reports, events and more. They hav, Sorry sister,but did you quote that from Wikipedia or have you actually been exposed to East African culture? On 4 December 2020, the government released 24 Jehovah's Witnesses, including the high-profile conscientious objectors Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariam, who had been held for 26 years, and whose cases were highlighted by the former UN Special Rapporteur on Eritrea in her final statement to the UN Third Committee in New York in that have emerged consistently since December 2020 of thousands of refugees being As of September 17, 2019, three of the Witnesses, Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos, and Negede Teklemariam, have been unjustly incarcerated for 25 years.In addition, 39 men and 10 women who are Witnesses are also imprisoned. Since I started my mandate on 1 November 2020, I am monitoring the ongoing Tigray conflict in Ethiopia, which erupted on 4 November 2020, and its impact on the Eritrean refugees and asylum seekers. Their detention has also proven painful for friends and family, and one described his sorrow at losing his friend a quarter-century ago. On Dec. 4, the government released 24 Jehovah's Witnesses, including conscientious objectors Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariam, who had been held for 26 years. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. All 52 Jehovahs Witnesses in prison in Eritrea have never been charged, appeared in court, or sentenced. A number of beliefs and practices of Jehovahs Witnesses have been perceived negatively by the current government. Woke up this morning and found out they were suddenly released! The practice of arbitrary and incommunicado detentions in Eritrea has serious impact on the life of many Eritreans. I also welcome the release, on 4 December 2020, of 24 Jehovah's Witnesses, including the three conscientious objectors, Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariam, who had been. WARWICK, N.Y., Sept. 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Eritrea is the center point of some of the most intense persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses in modern times. I am in tears . He was young and a person of impeccable character.". document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Click to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Sie wurden ohne Anklage oder Urteil festgehalten. the release of these Christians in Eritrea, who were detained without charge or I also welcome the release, on 4 December 2020, of 24 Jehovahs Witnesses, including the three conscientious objectors, Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariam, who had been held for 26 years, and whose cases were highlighted by the former UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea in her statement during the presentation of her report to the Human Rights Council in June 2020, and her interactive dialogue with the UN General Assembly on 26 October 2020. They include conscientious objectors Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariam, who have been held for 26 years. In December, 24 Jehovah's Witnesses were freed, among them high-profile conscientious objectors Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariam, who had been held for 26 years. His heartmust be overflowing with praise and thanks to Jehovah. Male Jehovah's Witnesses between 18 and 40 often live in hiding, and if found by police, they face torture for objecting to military service. On 1 February, 21 female and 43 male prisoners were released from Mai Serwa and Adi Abeito prisons, close to the capital city, Asmara. I remain willing to engage constructively with the Government of Eritrea on urgent human rights concerns. We expect allcommunity members to be active publishers in their congregations,therefore, please do not apply for membership if you are not currently one of Jehovah's Witnesses. I urge the Eritrean authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all of those who remain in prison because of their faith or belief. The women were arrested after worshipping in public as they were walking down a street, an event which was caught on camera and circulated via social media. Prior to enforcing conscription, Eritrean authorities had provided genuine alternatives with civilian service. currently accessible; however, in January 2021 satellite imagery revealed that Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos, and Negede Teklemariam were detained on Sept. 17, 1994, apparently because they conscientiously objected to military service, according to a report published. December 4, 2020 in JW.org Press Releases & JW's in the News, BREAKING NEWS| Eritrea Releases 28 Jehovahs Witnesses From Prison Or is something happening on a global scale that we donot yet know about? In a sudden turn of events, the man himself was put in prison. Help keep The Christian Post free for everyone by making a one-time donation today. According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, approximately 20,000 refugees from Hitsat and Shimelba camps are currently missing. Vote Religious Freedom Updates Join thousands of others to get the FREEDOM POST newsletter for free, sent twice a week from The Christian Post. Such allegations need to be investigated promptly and thoroughly by independent mechanisms. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. "We also call for urgent action to arrest the unfolding crisis in Tigray, including by imposing arms embargoes on the warring parties, and sanctions on the leaders of Ethiopia and Eritrea, who bear ultimate responsibility for human rights violations that are allegedly being committed with impunity by their respective forces.". You've read 0 of 5 of todays most popular posts. The UN Human Rights Office and the mechanisms we support work on a wide range of human rights topics. Apparently one of the brothers being released. Paulos Eyassu, Isaac Mogos, Negede Teklamarium most of all. Citing eyewitnesses he met during a recent visit to Mai Aini, the High Commissioner said many refugees appear to have been "caught in crossfire, abducted and forced to return to Eritrea under duress by Eritrean forces. I also welcome the release, on 4 December 2020, of 24 Jehovah's Witnesses, including the three conscientious objectors, Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariam, who had been held for 26 years, and whose cases were highlighted by the former UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea in her statement during the In my update today, I will focus on the (a) the human rights of Eritrean refugees and asylum seekers in the context of the ongoing Tigray crisis in Ethiopia, which added a new complicated dynamic in monitoring the human rights of the Eritrean people, and (b) the progress made in relation to the benchmarks set out in the reports of my predecessor. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. Most do not know how long they will remain in prison. Additionally, Jehovahs Witnesses develop missionary activities in close social networks and hold religious meetings in private homes, which is illegal. Four Witness men have died while in prison, and three died after they were released because of the harsh conditions they suffered. My wife work in the same company as family members of one of the 3 brothers who have been in prison for so long time. I too was thinking about that same thing, what significance is this for Jehovah? street, an event which was caught on camera and circulated via social media. I also welcome the release, on 4 December 2020, of 24 Jehovah's Witnesses, including the three conscientious objectors, Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariam, who had been held for 26 years, and whose cases were highlighted by the former UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea in her statement during the A historic first: Vietnam allows Franklin Graham to hold evangelism event with 300 churches, Teen who had breasts removed says health system lacks 'standards of care', School district rejects student-teachers from Arizona Christian University, Its smut: Kid reads sexually graphic book he got from school library to school board members, Ukraine war exposes weaknesses in Russia and the West, ChatGPT, consciousness and the human mind, Eritrean evangelical, Pentecostal Christians jailed for their faith temporarily freed on bail, Christian group calls for probe of possible crimes against humanity in Ethiopian military offensive, World Food Program head warns of potential famines of 'biblical proportions' in 2021, Witness recalls Eritrean troop brutality in Tigray conflict: 'They would kill you for crying'. On 4 December 2020, the government released 24 Jehovah's Witnesses, including the high-profile conscientious objectors Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariam, who had been held for 26 years, and whose cases were highlighted by the former UN Special Rapporteur on Eritrea in her final statement to the UN Third Committee in New York in They were paraded round the camp in the back of a Toyota pickup truck. I recently spoke with an ex-prisoner that spent a couple of years in Sawa prison with Jehovah's Witnesses (including Isaac, Negede and Paulos). Is this video confirmed ? Habtemichael Tesfamariam died at the age of76 on 3 January and Habtemichael Mekonen died at the age of77 on 6 March. While in prison, this man saw firsthand that Jehovah's Witnesses live by what they teach. Get the latest from our news, events and meetings. While I welcome the release by the authorities of the Christians and Jehovahs Witnesses, I have to note that Eritrea continues to impose restrictions on religious freedoms. international community to press Eritrea for the immediate and unconditional release Loopy Detainees and conscripts at military training camps are subject to torture, including a method called "otto," in which hands are tied together behind the back while victims lie on their stomachs. Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reports that the Christians - 70 in total - came from evangelical and orthodox backgrounds, with prison sentences ranging from two to 12 years. This was the fir See more Gilles Pichaud It is my honour to present my first oral update to the Council since taking up the role of Special Rapporteur last November 2020. ICN aims to provide speedy and accurate news coverage of all subjects of interest to Catholics and the wider Christian community. I wonder why they dont wear masks? parties, and sanctions on the leaders of Ethiopia and Eritrea, who bear Finally, since my appointment, I have not yet had the opportunity to meet with Eritrean officials. 24 left!!!! I have received information from credible sources that, as of November 2020, the situation of these refugees and asylum seekers has become more precarious and worrisome. High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, approximately 20,000 Eritrean authorities imprisoned both men in 2008 without charges. With no beauracracy or lengthy procedure - just released suddenly! "We call on the international community to press Eritrea for the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained arbitrarily on account of their religion or belief. In Eritrea, the report mentioned that 52 Jehovah's Witnesses were in jail (as mentioned earlier, 28 were released on December 4). Amazing news! The prisoners had been held between two and 12 years. Finally to the clandestine world of art fraud and African artefacts, which are being sold to unsuspecting buyers, thanks to the fake UNESCO stamp they . Persecution in Eritrea intensified on October 25, 1994, about a year and a half after Eritrea became an independent country from Ethiopia. However, the Ethiopian government has denied the involvement of Eritrean soldiers in the conflict. Some of the prisoners had been held without charge or trial for up to 12 years. The national service requirements oblige all secondary school students in the country to complete their final year at the Warsai Yekalo Secondary School, located in the Sawa military camp, and to undertake mandatory military training for approximately five months of that year. A man came to Norway as a refugee from Eritrea in 2011. Most of the prisoners were freed from Mai Serwa and Adi Abeito prisons, near the capital, Asmara, on 1 February. Made me think of Joseph in prison, and how we never know what can happen. The releases also coincide with reports The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Furthermore, Jehovahs Witnesses decline to participate in political elections. Thomas called on the international community to press Eritrea for the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained arbitrarily on account of their religion or belief., We also call for urgent action to arrest the unfolding crisis in Tigray, including by imposing arms embargoes on the warring parties, and sanctions on the leaders of Ethiopia and Eritrea, who bear ultimate responsibility for human rights violations that are allegedly being committed with impunity by their respective forces.. The country lacks rule of law, a constitution and an independent judiciary to enforce the protection of and respect for human rights. I canimagine a broadcast in the coming months containinginterviews with these faithful brothers and sisters. Interesting article from the Experiences of Jehovahs Witnesses series. Most of the prisoners were freed from Mai Serwa and Adi Abeito prisons, near the capital, Asmara, on 1 February. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. of all those detained arbitrarily on account of their religion or belief. As of September 17, 2019, three of the Witnesses, Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos, and Negede Teklemariam, have been unjustly incarcerated for 25 years.In addition, 39 men and 10 women who are Witnesses are also imprisoned. On 27 January 2021, six female prisoners detained for worshipping in public in September 2020 in Dekemhare, south-east of Asmara, were also released. In what could be an attempt to distract the attention of the international community from Eritreas role in the ongoing war in the Tigray region in neighboring Ethiopia, the Eritrean government last Monday released 21 female and 43 male prisoners from Mai Serwa and Adi Abeito prisons near the capital city of Asmara, CSW reported. Eritreas president, Isaias Afewerki, is a member of the Eritrean Orthodox Church in Asmara belonging to the largest among the only three Christian denominations allowed to function in the country. Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos, and Negede Teklemariam were detained on Sept. 17, 1994, apparently because they conscientiously objected to military service, according to a report published in August by the Jehovah's Witnesses' Office of Public Information. Was this article helpful? to the UN Third Committee in New York in October 2020. These are other examples of numerous cases of individuals who are currently languishing in Eritrean prisons, with no prospect of release. As of September 17, 2019, three of the Witnesses, Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos, and Negede Teklemariam, have been unjustly incarcerated for 25 years. In 2018, two Jehovahs Witnesses died after their transfer to the Mai Serwa Prison. We need your help to continue this work. On Jan. 27, six female prisoners, who had been in detention since last September, in Dekemhare, which is southeast of Asmara, were also released. Afewerkis policy of restrictions is more about his fear that religion will mobilize people as a political force than religion per se. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The majority of the imprisoned male Jehovahs Witnesses are incarcerated indefinitely, with no hope of release until they die or are near death. He noted their honesty and that they . Since then, national presidential or legislative elections have never taken place. [4], The Special Rapporteur urged the Government of Eritrea to engage in dialogue with this congregation and release those in prison. They may be third world/developing countries, but youd be shocked how wide-spread cellph. And the e re at from a list. Press briefing note on Myanmar/Bangladesh - Rohingya, UN expert implores Myanmars Suu Kyi: open your eyes, listen, feel with your heart, National institutions and regional mechanisms. I am concerned that the conditions in the camp have impact on the right to education. The men's families appealed for help to the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, but the Eritrean government has ignored their request to allow lawyers, family members, and doctors to visit the three prisoners. At Sawa, Mai Serwa, and other prisons and camps, detainees are often held in shipping containers. While the releases have been warmly welcomed, there is also speculation Three brothersPaulos Eyassu, Isaac Mogos, and Negede Teklemariamhave been in prison since September 1994, and the government has held another nine brothers for at least ten years. genocide. On 27 January 2021, six female prisoners detained for worshipping in public in September 2020 in Dekemhare, south-east of Asmara, were also released. In addition, 39 men and 10 women who. This week marked 25 years in prison without charges or trial for three men in Eritrea. On 28 January 2021, in my letter to the Government of Ethiopia, I called on the Ethiopian authorities to protect the human rights of Eritrean refugees and asylum seekers in the Tigray region, and to ensure respect for their rights under human rights law, international humanitarian law and international refugee law. Like many others imprisoned in Eritrea, detained Jehovahs Witnesses have no legal recourse and so cannot challenge their indefinite detention. I call on Eritrean authorities to put an end to such treatments and comply with their international human rights obligations. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. "They have never been charged nor given the opportunity to defend themselves in court. I also ( suspiciously) wonder why this is happening now? All Witnesses currently in prison have never been charged, appeared in court, or sentenced. We send them this sms this morning and we are sure you would agree:Dear brothers, how wonderful Jehovah is. It is also not acceptable for Eritrea to arbitrary detain political opponents in secret prisons without charge or trial in violation of human rights standards. HRWF (04.12.2020) On December 4, 2020, 26 male and 2 female Jehovahs Witnesses in Eritrea were set free after being imprisoned for their faith. Required fields are marked *. As of September 17, 2019, three of the Witnesses, Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos, and Negede Teklemariam, have been unjustly incarcerated for 25 years. https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=26795&LangID=E, Eritrea one of the least accessible countries for humanitarian organisations, Searches, Arrests, and Tension in Eritrea, Eritreas jailed journalist exhibition opens in UK Parliament, Dispute over Patriach splits Norwegian Orthodox church in two, Twenty one years after being jailed, Eritreas independent journalists are remembered in the British Parliament. On 18 December 2020, I requested an invitation to undertake an official visit to Eritrea in my capacity as Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea. In December 24 Jehovah's Witnesses were freed, among them high-profile conscientious objectors Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariam, who had been held for 26 years. Prior to independence, Eritrea allowed conscientious objectors to join an alternative civilian service group to fulfill their obligation.The Eritrean constitution, ratified in 1997, officially grants citizens the right to freedom of religion, but it has limitations.
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