13 people were released from Eritrea’s notorious Mai Serwa military prison, where they had been held without trial for over 18 years. These included a 69-year-old Olympian cyclist, Zeragaber Gebrehiwot; businessmen; engineers; and senior police officers. They first got arrested in 2007 following an assassination attempt on a top security official. Relatives said that during their detention, the prisoners were never allowed to receive visitors. Many are reportedly sick, a factor that could perhaps have informed their release. Eritrea has repeatedly been accused of various human rights abuses, including torture, forced disappearances, and keeping people under terrible conditions in its jails. The country has been ruled since independence by President Isaias Afwerki for over 32 years with no elections, no free press, and indefinite military service. Many political prisoners arrested in earlier crackdowns remain unaccounted for, while several have died in jail.

Almighty GOD, You change the times and the seasons and remove kings and raise kings. We plead for both the spiritual and political change in Eritrea. Remove the oppressive regime in the country and raise a government that upholds the rights and freedoms of its citizens (The Holy Bible, Daniel 2:21).

Pray for the immediate and unconditional release of all Christians and political prisoners. Pray for both religious and political tolerance in the country (The Holy Bible, Psalm 59:2).

News Source: BBC

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