Six still detained one year after raid on private religious service in Eritrea ASMARA, Eritrea—One year ago, January 24, 2004, Eritrean authorities arrested 38 persons associated with the Saba Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Asmara, while they were participating in a peaceful Bible study held in a private home. Those detained ranged in age from 6 to 94 and included men, women, and children. Some of them were baptized Jehovah’s Witnesses and others were interested individuals. Throughout the year since the raid, some were gradually released; first the children, then various groups of others, and finally months later three elderly men were set free. However, six of the original group remain in prison. Reportedly they continue to be held in metal shipping containers in the Mai Serwa prison outside of Asmara. There are other Jehovah’s Witnesses also imprisoned in Mai Serwa for their religious convictions. Because Jehovah’s Witnesses conscientiously would not serve in the military, a principle of their belief worldwide, they have been particularly singled out. In 1994, Eritrea’s president decreed that by not participating in military service or in a referendum, they had revoked their citizenship and were therefore stripped of their basic civil rights. They were falsely accused of refusing “to recognize the state and its laws.” Subsequently, Jehovah’s Witnesses were dismissed from employment, denied use of schools, and were refused identity papers and passports. Religious persecution of this minority group continues. When members meet together for Bible study, they do not have the most basic level of freedom of worship. Contact: J. R. Brown, telephone:
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