Olympian and Several Eritreans Released After 18 Years Without Trial, Family Members Say

A group of thirteen people held for more than 18 years without trial in Eritrea have been freed from a infamous military prison, according to family members of the prisoners.

Those released were several prominent figures, such as elderly Olympian cyclist and businessman Zeragaber Gebrehiwot.

They had been held at Mai Serwa prison, known for its severe environment and where many inmates are believed to be detained for political reasons.

Details of the Arrest

An unnamed source who was once detained in Mai Serwa stated the prisoners were arrested in October 2007 following an attempted assassination on a senior internal security officer in the government.

Approximately thirty individuals were initially detained, according to the source. A number have been released in the intervening period, but roughly two dozen stayed imprisoned.

Profile of an Athlete

Zeragaber competed in the Moscow Games in 1980 when Eritrea was part of Ethiopia.

The mountainous country, which gained its independence from Ethiopia in 1993, has a strong tradition of cycling and its cyclists have increasingly earned global acclaim over the past decade.

Those Among the Freed

Those released with Zeragaber include notable entrepreneurs Tesfalem Mengsteab and Bekure Mebrahtu as well as the Habtemariam brothers - David, an engineer, and Matthews, a geometrist.

Six senior police officers and an internal security agent were also freed.

The Eritrean government has remained silent concerning the releases of the detainees.

A significant number of the former detainees are sick and this could explain why they have been released at this time.

Relatives were prohibited to visit the prisoners throughout their detention, the relatives reported.

Global Criticism and Detention Environment

United Nations bodies and rights organizations have consistently criticized the Eritrean government of serious abuses, including ill-treatment, enforced disappearances and the imprisonment of many thousands of people in inhumane conditions.

Mai Serwa prison, situated about 9km north-west of the capital city, Asmara, has grown over the years to incorporate 20 metal shipping containers in which prisoners are held incommunicado, according to reports.

Context of Government Rule

For the past thirty years, Eritrea has remained a one-party state with no functioning constitution. It is among the world's most militarised societies, with compulsory national service of unlimited duration.

There has been an absence of independent media since the shutdown of private publications and detention of most of their staff in 2001.

This was when the government arrested 15 politicians known as the G-15, along with 16 journalists, after they called for that the head of state put into effect the proposed constitution and hold open elections.

According to rights groups, the fate and whereabouts of 11 of the politicians, as well as the journalists accused of links to the G-15, are still unconfirmed.

Aged 79, the leader marked 32 years in power and has still never faced an electoral contest.