Listeners:
Top listeners:
-
play_arrow
Eritrea Arrests Christians Again, Raising Fresh Fears Of Persecution
by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent
ASMARA (Worthy News) – Concerns remained Friday over the whereabouts of more than a dozen Christians who were reportedly detained during a recent gathering in the authoritarian-ruled East African nation.
On Sunday, March 15, Eritrean police arrested 13 Christians at a gathering held in an undisclosed location. The believers were then taken to a prison in the capital, Asmara, said advocacy group Voice of the Martyrs Canada, which is closely following the case.
“While the identities of the arrested individuals have not been publicly released, a recently received report indicates that one of the detainees – who previously spent 15 years in prison – was freed less than a year ago,” the group told Worthy News.
“No further information regarding the arrests is currently available. In the interim, considering the longstanding patterns of persecution in Eritrea, there are concerns that these believers may be held without any formal charges or court trial.”
PATTERN OF PERSECUTION
The arrests came after more than 100 Christians—who supporters say were imprisoned “for their faith” in Christ—were released.
VOMC said it has urged supporters to pray for the believers “given the harsh conditions frequently experienced in Eritrean prisons.”
It called for prayers for “God’s protection, strength and sustaining presence” for the arrested believers “and all other followers of Christ who are currently being detained.”
The group added it still hopes that changes will take place “within Eritrea’s political system – opening the way for positive reforms that will result in freedom of religion and dignity for all citizens.”
Eritrea ranks among the worst countries in the world for Christian persecution, activists say, placing 4th on the latest annual World Watch List compiled by Open Doors, which tracks nations where Christians reportedly face the most severe oppression.
RESTRICTED RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Under longtime authoritarian President Isaias Afwerki, only a limited number of religious groups are officially recognized, with authorities seeking tight control over all sections of society.
Allowed denominations include the Eritrean Orthodox Church, the Roman Catholic Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and Islam.
All other Christian groups are banned and often forced to operate underground, while even within officially recognized churches some believers have faced persecution, according to advocacy groups.
People identifying as Christians reportedly make up roughly half of Eritrea’s 3.5 to 4 million population, with Muslims accounting for a similar share.
Rights groups say many believers—especially from unregistered evangelical or Pentecostal churches—have been detained for years without trial, often in harsh conditions, including shipping containers or remote prison camps.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
Latest News from Worthy News
European policymakers, church leaders and representatives of Syria’s Christian communities have urged the country’s transitional authorities to protect minority Christians amid concerns over the future of believers in the war-torn Middle East nation.
A reported Houthi attack has struck Saudi Arabia’s strategically vital East-West oil pipeline, the massive cross-country system designed to keep Saudi crude flowing even when the Strait of Hormuz is threatened or closed.
Spanish-Moroccan relations, already strained over migration, faced more pressure Friday after Spain’s lower house of parliament approved legislation that would grant Spanish citizenship to tens of thousands of Sahrawis born when Madrid administered Western Sahara.
Russia launched fresh air attacks on Ukraine early Friday after NATO reportedly confronted Russian vessels trying to sabotage undersea cables, highlighting concerns that Moscow is attempting to extend the war by targeting Europe’s critical infrastructure.
Iran-backed Houthi forces seized Yemen’s strategic Red Sea port city of Mocha, raising fears for global shipping as escalating Middle East tensions pushed oil prices above $100 a barrel.
The United States and its allies are commemorating the 25th anniversary of the worst terror attacks on American soil, which had worldwide implications ranging from wars to increased surveillance.
Several impoverished Christians have died across Pakistan in recent days amid what advocates describe as a pattern of violence, discrimination and hardship potentially threatening the Christian community throughout the predominantly Muslim nation, Christian sources told Worthy News.
WHO WE ARE
The Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs encapsulate the beauty, wisdom, and eternal truths found in the Bible, creating an immersive experience that resonates with believers and seekers alike.
CONTACT
- +1 908 280-4246
- Essex County, USA
- info@tnjrfm.com