More than 140 Christians were arrested as they gathered in a private courtyard in the Eritrean capital last Friday.
Our partner Release Eritrea says that 104 of those arrested in the Mai Temenai area of Asmara were women. The others were 23 men and 14 children.
The arrests came amid rising tensions and tight security ahead of next Friday’s Independence Day celebrations.
Please pray that God will strengthen and sustain all those arrested in Friday’s raid.
Release partner Dr Berhane Asmelash says that Christians inside Eritrea have become bolder as the Eritrean diaspora has become more outspoken in calling for greater religious freedom.
Some detainees are thought to be held in Adi Abeito prison, close to where they were arrested; others are still being held by police. No one has been charged yet.
- Ask God to remind these detainees in powerful ways of His great love and faithfulness. Thank God that He knows each by name. Pray for their swift release.
- Please pray that God will strengthen the faith of His people in Eritrea and uphold them with his righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10). Pray that His Holy Spirit will guide them as they seek God’s face.
- Continue to pray for a radical change of heart in President Isaias Afewerki and his Government, amid mounting international pressure for reform. Pray that they will end their repressive policies and allow greater religious freedom.
(Source: Release Eritrea)
