Family and friends of three Eritrean pastors are "in distress and deep sadness" after discovering that their loved ones had been moved to an unknown location. According to a Compass Direct, the wives and friends were bringing food and clothing to the prison on August 24 when they were informed that the men were no longer there.
Rev. Haile Naizgi and Dr. Kiflu Gebremeske, and Pastor Tesfatsion Hagos have been in prison since May without charges and have been refused any personal contact with their families. According to Eritrean sources, their disappearance may be good or bad news. In the past, prisoners have, at times, been taken to an unknown location and then released. Other times, they are moved and remain in custody.
At least four hundred evangelical Christians remain in custody for their faith. In May 2002, the Eritrean government made all religions illegal other than Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran and Islam. More information on the situation in Eritrea is available through a VOM video news report, filmed on location in Eritrea. To view the report, go to the video section of our multimedia website (click here).
Pray for safety and strength for these pastors and the hundreds of others in prison for their faith. Pray that the families will obtain information on the whereabouts of their loved ones.
For more information on Eritrea and the persecution facing the church there, click here.
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