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From China and North Korea to Eritrea and Pakistan
untold numbers of Christians across the world today
are suffering behind bars. Some have been detained
for many years but, helped by Release International
partners, continue to follow their Saviour, writes
Tom Hardie
It may be difficult to determine the exact number of Christians
behind bars but wherever they are – whether it’s an Eritrean
prison, a North Korean labour camp or a Pakistani jail cell –
they need our prayers.
Some have been locked away for more than a decade, separated
from family and loved ones and suffering brutal conditions.
HELPING
PRISONERS
OF FAITH
Supporting imprisoned
believers in their
darkest hour
Fellowship vital
for survival in
Eritrea
In Eritrea alone, the persecution of
evangelical Christians in the past two
years is worse than it’s ever been,
according to our partner, Dr Berhane
Asmelash of Release Eritrea.
Since the Asmara Government ordered
all evangelical and Pentecostal
churches to be closed in 2002,
thousands of Christians who belong
to this group have been victims
of arbitrary arrest, torture and
disappearances.
The persecution is not confined to
the non-recognised religious groups
such as evangelicals and Pentecostals
but several members of the legally
recognised groups have also been
victims of arrest and restrictions, such
as the Orthodox, Catholics, Lutherans
and Muslims.
Currently there are around 400
evangelical prisoners – 25 per
cent of whom are deemed long-
term (sentences of four years or
more). These include Pastor Kiflu
Gebremeskel and Rev Haile Naizgi
from Full Gospel Church, who were
arrested in 2004. They have not been
charged, nor has Milion Gebreselassie,
a nurse and anaesthetist, who has been
in prison for more than nine years.
Three Orthodox clergy members,
Dr Fitsum Gebrenigus, Dr Tekleab
Mengisteab and Rev Gebremedhn,
were arrested in November 2004 and
remain in prison without trial.
Since March 2023, 130 have been
imprisoned, while 28 long-term
prisoners have been released,
including 13 who had been locked
away for around ten years.
‘We don’t know why they are releasing
them now but the main reason for
arresting or detaining them long term is
because they want to break their spirit,’
Dr Asmelash said.
‘Once they think that prisoners are
deteriorating emotionally – when
Dr Berhane Asmelash
says the main reason
Christians are arrested
or detained long-term
in Eritrea is to break
their spirit
ERITREA