|
In
1994 Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki signed a decree revoking
citizenship for members of the group for reasons including their
conscientous objection to military service. Eritrea has
maintained conscription for more than 20 years.
Since that decree, Jehovah's Witnesses members have been
subjected to detentions, torture and harassment in Eritrea, in
part to compel them to renounce their faith, according to the
group and international human rights organisations.
In its statement, the Jehovah's Witnesses said 28 of its members
incarcerated in Eritrea were freed on Dec. 4 after serving
sentences of ranging from five to 26 years. Another 24 remain in
prison, it said.
"Eritrea arrests and imprisons Jehovah’s Witnesses and others
without trial or formal charges. Several of those jailed are
male Witnesses who are conscientious objectors to military
service," the statement said.
"However, the majority - including women and the elderly - are
imprisoned for religious activity or undisclosed reasons."
Last year Human Rights Watch accused Eritrea of continuing to
force thousands of students and teachers into indefinite
military service, frustrating hopes that a 2018 peace deal with
former arch-enemy Ethiopia might lead to the end or scaling back
of Asmara's conscription policy. Asmara's government spokesman
did not respond to requests for comment at the time.
Eritrea, a secretive, highly militarised nation, has been ruled
by Afwerki since its independence from Ethiopia in 1993.
Jehovah's Witnesses are also known for their door-to-door
preaching, close Bible study, and rejection of blood
transfusions.
(Writing by Elias Biryabarema; Editing by Mark Heinrich)
[© 2020 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2020 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.
|
|
