Thirty years of persecution against Jehovah’s Witnesses in Eritrea has led to ongoing human rights abuses, with 64 individuals currently imprisoned for their faith. Recent arrests during a church service have reignited international condemnation. Human rights experts advocate for their release and call for broader reforms to ensure religious freedom in the country.
In Eritrea, the shadows of oppression loom heavy over the Jehovah’s Witness community, as thirty years of persecution take their toll. Human rights experts have recently raised their voices against the ongoing injustices. As reported, 64 worshippers remain imprisoned solely for their faith, a stark reminder of the regime’s stringent control. One significant raid in September led to the arrest of 25 individuals – including minors – disturbing a religious gathering at the home of 85-year-old Letebrhan Tesfay, a long-time member facing yet another onslaught of state violence. While hope flickers faintly amidst adversity, the words of Jarrod Lopes from the U.S. suggest resilience persists: “Witnesses currently facing ruthless persecution for their faith share the same determination, hope, and inner peace as the Witnesses who proved faithful before them.” Moreover, those imprisoned have yet to see formal charges or trials — their fate shrouded in uncertainty against the backdrop of Eritrea’s harsh prison conditions, reported by the U.S. State Department. The plight of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Eritrea has garnered increased global attention, especially as October marks the anniversary of their citizenship revocation. Human rights advocates, including the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, are rallying for the release of these individuals. Commissioner Vicky Hartzler’s statement expressed grave concern for those unjustly imprisoned, urging the State Department to act. The history of these believers is fraught with sacrifices; their non-participation in the Eritrean War of Independence led to their citizenship being stripped, condemning them to a life of governmental and societal exclusion. For them, everyday life means navigating a landscape where employment opportunities are scarce, property ownership is unattainable, and public worship must occur in secrecy, buried within the shadows to evade the oppressive gaze of the state. Other Christian groups in the country similarly face such injustices, increasing the urgency of calls for governmental reform. As the day for change dawns on the horizon, the call for comprehensive reforms echoes louder. Renowned human rights expert Mohamed Babiker has urged the Eritrean authorities to embrace meaningful changes, igniting hopes for a future where fundamental rights are respected and upheld.
The persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Eritrea extends over three decades, beginning when the Eritrean government revoked their citizenship. This sect, known for its refusal to engage in military service due to religious beliefs, faced severe repercussions following their non-participation in the Eritrean War of Independence from 1961 to 1991. Stripped of citizenship, many Jehovah’s Witnesses have since been imprisoned without trial, while the state systematically denies them basic rights, including access to government jobs and benefits, property ownership, and the ability to practice their faith publicly. This context reveals a broader atmosphere of religious intolerance in Eritrea, where oppression of various faith groups is starkly evident.
The plight of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Eritrea is a haunting narrative of resilience against tyranny. Human rights advocates shine a light on the injustices faced by these individuals, calling for urgent reforms that respect human dignity and religious freedom. As reports surface of uncharged detentions and harsh prison conditions, the international community stands witness to the relentless struggle for justice within Eritrea. Amidst the despair, the determination of the Witnesses to uphold their faith exemplifies an unyielding spirit in the face of adversity, setting the stage for a hopeful future.
Original Source: wordandway.org
