PUBLICAI Index: AFR 64/004/2001

26 October 2001

Further information on UA 241/01 (AFR 64/002/2001, 20 September 2001) - Fear for safety/possible prisoners of conscience/freedom of expression and new concern: Health concern

ERITREAPetros Solomon (m)

Ogbe Abraha (m)

Haile Woldetensae (m)

Mahmud Ahmed Sheriffo (m)

Berhane Ghebre Eghzabiher (m)

Saleh Kekiya (m)

Aster Fishatsion (f) - previously given as (m)

Hamid Hamid (m)

German Nati (m)

Estifanos Seyoum (m)

Beraki Ghebre Selassie (m)

Amnesty International remains concerned for the safety of those listed above who were arrested on 18 and 19 September 2001. They are still held in incommunicado detention without charge and their whereabouts is unknown. In view of the harsh prison conditions in Eritrea, Amnesty International fears for their safety and is particularly concerned for the health of Ogbe Abraham who suffers from asthma and Haile Woldetensae who is diabetic. Amnesty International fears that they may be held without access to their medication and appropriate medical treatment.

The 11 are part of a group of 15 senior officials who have over recent months been publicly critical of government policies. One of the 15 has subsequently recanted and the other three are currently out of the country. Amnesty International fears that they could be arrested if they returned to Eritrea. The suspension of the independent press in Eritrea, which followed the arrests, remains in force.

FURTHER RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send appeals to arrive as quickly as possible, in English or your own language:

- expressing concern that those arrested are detained incommunicado and urging the authorities to reveal where they are being held and why;

- urging the authorities to guarantee that none of those detained will be ill-

treated;

- urging that all of those arrested, and in particular Ogbe Abraham and Haile Woldetensae, be given access to their prescribed medication and to appropriate medical treatment if necessary;

- calling on the authorities either to charge them with a recognizably criminal offence or release them;

- calling on the authorities to allow those detained immediate access to lawyers of their own choice and to their families;

APPEALS TO:

President Issayas Afewerki

Office of the President

PO Box 257

Asmara, Eritrea

Telegrams:President Issayas Afewerki, Asmara, Eritrea

Faxes: + 291 1 125123

Salutation: Your Excellency

Mrs Fawzia Hashim

Minister of Justice

Ministry of Justice

PO Box 241

Asmara, Eritrea

Telegrams:Justice Minister, Asmara, Eritrea

Faxes: + 291 1 126422

Salutation: Dear Minister

COPIES TO:

Dr Saleh Mekki

Minister of Health

Ministry of Health

PO Box 212

Asmara, Eritrea

Telegrams:Health Minister, Asmara, Eritrea

Faxes: + 291 1 122899

Salutation: Dear Minister

and to diplomatic representatives of Eritrea accredited to your country.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat, or your section office, if sending appeals after 7 December 2001.