PUBLIC AI Index: AFR 64/015/2005

29 November 2005

Further Information on UA 270/05 (AFR 64/012/2005, 13 October 2005) and follow-up (AFR 64/014/2005, 1 November 2005) Fear of torture/prisoners of conscience

ERITREA

Released: Ukbay (m) ]

Abraham Weldu (m) ]

Gebremichael Yahoness (m) ] Kale Hiwot Church members

Pastor Simon (m) ]

Teklemariam (m) ]

Akberet Nigussie (f), Rema Church office administrator

On 8 November Ukbay, Abraham Weldu, Gebremichael Yahoness, Pastor Simon, and Teklemariam, all members of the Kale Hiwot Church in the capital, Asmara, were released without charge. Akberet Nigussie, an office administrator at the Rema Church in Asmara, was released the same day. As a condition of their release, they were reportedly forced to sign a document agreeing to cease any involvement in religious activities, which essentially forced them to abandon their faith. Their release follows the release of seven other Kale Hiwot Church members earlier this month.

Dozens of members of evangelical churches in Eritrea were detained by the authorities at the end of September and beginning of October. At least three of those released (Eritrea Ukbay, Gebremichael Yahoness and Abraham Weldu) were members of the Kale Hiwot Development Project, which ran schools, nursery schools and emergency feeding projects prior to its forced closing on 3 October.

No further action from the UA network is required. Many thanks to all who sent appeals.