Source: Mission Network News, April 28, 2022
In March, Eritrean security forces raided a Christian prayer meeting and arrested 29 believers. They took 17 women and 12 men to a prison camp near the capital city, Asmara.
Worship in Eritrea is illegal outside of government-recognized churches. Eritrean Christians have often been held for years without charges.
Dr. Berhane Esmelash recently spoke with The Voice of the Martyrs Canada. He says the arrest is part of a trend. “We have experienced several new arrests for the past six months. Some senior pastors were arrested a few months ago, and they are in their seventies.”
“About six months ago, 15 Christians were arrested. Now, these 15 were previously imprisoned for many years.”
Eritrean Christians hoped these believers would be free for the rest of their lives, but now they have been put right back in prison. Eritrean police often use illegal gatherings as an excuse to arrest people. But sometimes they simply take people from work.