It is reported that Yemane Kahasay Andom, aged 43, died on 23 July at Mitire Military Confinement Centre in north east Eritrea. Yemane Kahasay Andom was a member of the Kale-Hiwot church in Mendefera.It is reported that Yemane Kahasay Andom had been subjected to torture while in detention and was suffering from a severe case of malaria. He had been subjected to solitary confinement in an underground cell in the two weeks leading up to his death because of his refusal to sign a recantation form.

Yemane Kahasay Andom is the third Christian known to have died at the Mitire camp this year. His death brings to nine the number of Christians who have died while imprisoned for their faith in Eritrea. More than 2,800 Christians in Eritrea remain imprisoned for their faith. Incarcerated Christians from throughout Eritrea have been transferred to the Mitire prison.

In May 2002 the government of Eritrea outlawed all religious groups except Islam and Orthodox, Catholic and Lutheran Christianity. The Government refuses to allow independent Protestant churches to register. People caught worshiping outside the four recognized religious groupings, even in private homes, suffer arrest, tortur5e and severe pressure to deny their faith.

On 17 April, 70 Christians, including 11 women, were released from the Mitire prison. They say that the authorities simply told them to go home and had no idea why they had been released.

What you can do

Write polite and respectful email to:

His Excellency Dr Andeab Ghebremeskel
Ambassador
Embassy of the State of Eritrea
16 Bulwarra Close
O’Malley, ACT, 2606
E-mail: embassy_of_eritrea@bigpond.com
Salutation: Your Excellency

Points to make in your letter:
•    Express deep concern at reports that Yemane Kahasay Andom died in Mitire Military Confinement Centre on 23 July. Express alarm at reports that he had been tortured and subjected to solitary confinement prior to his death.
•    Ask that a thorough and impartial investigation be conducted into the death of Yemane Kahasay Andom, with anyone found to have tortured or mistreated him being brought to justice.
•    Ask that all those currently being held in Eritrea places of imprisonment and detention solely for peacefully exercising their religious faith be immediately and unconditionally released.
•    Request that Eritrea respect internationally recognized human rights standards with regards to freedom of religion, as outlined in Article 18 of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which guarantee people the right to peacefully express their religious beliefs both in public and private.

Acknowledgement: Thanks to Tears of the Oppressed for the information on the case of Yemane Kahasay Andom.