OPEN
DOORS USA
Jerry
Dykstra, Media Relations Director
Phone:
616-915-4117
Email:
JerryD@odusa.org
Ten
Christian Leaders Arrested
In
Eritrea in Government Attempt To Eliminate Underground Church
SANTA
ANA, Calif. (Jan. 22, 2013) – Only hours before news of a failed
coup attempt in Eritrea hit the news on Monday, Open Doors learned of
a new wave of systematic arrest of church leaders in Eritrea. It is
not clear exactly when the campaign started, but at least 10 leaders
of churches banned by the government in 2002 have been rounded up.
There
have been several such campaigns in the past, but church leaders fear
that this particular campaign is far more serious because it wants to
“eradicate the underground church by targeting its key leaders
around the country.”
Since
news of the renewed systematic arrests emerged, several church
leaders have gone into hiding for a second time in only a few months.
According to trusted sources close to the events in Eritrea,
church leaders have remained in good spirits despite these pressures.
For
Christians in Eritrea, an eastern African country of 4 million, the
past few months have been a somewhat of a roller-coaster ride. After
the death of the Ethiopian Prime Minister in August last year, there
was heightened tension in Eritrea. Christians testified that talk of
renewed fighting between Eritrea and Ethiopia after the demise of one
of their long-time rivals led to a very grim atmosphere. There were
reports of the government circulating rifles to households in case
war broke out. Some Christians described those months of uncertainty
as their darkest night while praying earnestly for the light of a new
dawn for their country.
These
tensions were then followed in December by the news of the release of
31 Christian students kept at Sawa Military Training Centre since
2006. The group of students from Mai-Nefhi University included 14
females. They were arrested after refusing to participate against
their conscience in cultural dancing during Independence Day
celebrations.
The
believers later testified that despite the difficulties they faced in
the harsh prison conditions, they were never placed in a situation
where they were forced to deny their faith. Some of the women were
apparently enticed with release in exchange for sexual favors.
None gave in, but remained strong in the faith.
In
the media there were mixed reactions to the failed coup attempt.
Reports indicated that about 100 soldiers marched on the Ministry of
Information, made it as far as the director’s office and forced him
to read a statement on air calling for the release of political
prisoners. Then the broadcast signal abruptly cut out. It is believed
that the soldiers may have briefly taken hostage the president’s
daughter, Elsa, who apparently works in the Ministry of Information.
The president of Eritrea is Isaias Afewerkie.
However,
the New York Times reported that troops loyal to the government were
able to beat the coup-attempting soldiers back. The renegade soldiers
were later arrested.
Reports
of the coup came amid speculations that President Afewerki’s health
is worsening. He has traveled abroad in the past to seek medical
attention for a liver condition, but official information services
refuted these speculations, insisting the 66 year old was in good
health.
Reports
of the coup were met by mixed reactions. Some observers fear even
more repressive measures by the government to keep society in check.
“
Eritrea is ranked No.
10 on the Open Doors World Watch List which was released two weeks
ago,” Open Doors USA spokesman Jerry Dykstra stated. “Open Doors
research reported 31 Christians died in Eritrean prisons in 2012.
Eritrean Christians value our prayers as their circumstances remain
uncertain.”
Christians
are persecuted for their faith in at least 60 countries worldwide.
They suffer interrogation, arrest and even death in some of the most
dangerous and restrictive countries in the world. For 58 years Open
Doors has supported and strengthened believers worldwide through
Bible and Christian literature distribution, leadership training and
assistance, Christian community development and prayer and presence
ministry. To partner with Open Doors USA, call toll free at
888-5-BIBLE-5 (888-524-2535) or go to our Website at
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org.
(For
more information or to set up an interview, contact Jerry Dykstra at
616-915-4117 or email jerryd@odusa.org.)
