Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (JN 8:32)

World

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Eritrea Becoming a Prison, Says Rights Group

By Anne Thomas , Christian Today Reporter
April 17, 2009|5:41 pm

Eritrea is becoming a giant prison thanks to excessive enlistment and the arbitrary arrest of its people, says Human Rights Watch.

HRW reports that Eritreans who are forcibly returned from countries like Libya, Malta and Egypt are often arrested and tortured on their return.

Christians belonging to any non-recognized denomination are routinely arrested. They are often set to forced labor or are locked inside metal shipping containers in the blistering sun.

In its report, HRW says that countries with asylum-seekers from Eritrea should not send them back to their home country.

Currently Eritrea drafts its citizens for national service for an indefinite period of time. Those drafted previously had to serve for only 18 months.

According to HRW, most of Eritrea’s population has now been enlisted. The rights group says that the government is using an unresolved border dispute to keep the country in permanent war-readiness.

Like us on Facebook

People under 50 years old are usually prevented from getting visas to leave Eritrea, and those who try to leave unofficially can be imprisoned, tortured or even shot at the border.

All independent media outlets have also been closed down by the government, says HRW.

Eritrea was re-designated as a Country of Particular Concern for religious freedom violations by the U.S. State Department in January.

Top Stories

Faculty Refuse to Sign 'Lifestyle Statement,' Resign From Christian University

Dozens of faculty and staff at a Georgian Christian academic institute are resigning over a statement from school officials in which employees must pledge to refrain from activities including drug use, alcohol, adultery, and homosexuality.

Voters More Focused on Jobs and Health Care, Not Gay Marriage

Despite the ongoing controversy regarding ...

Gallup: Slight Majority Say Homosexuality Morally Acceptable

A new Gallup poll shows that a slight majority, ...

Cain, Bachmann to Meet With Tea Party Leaders for 'More Perfect Union Panel'

Former GOP front-runners Herman Cain and Rep. ...

Colorado Civil Unions Bill Dies in Special Session

A Colorado House committee rejected Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper's proposal for civil unions, which he calls a "fundamental question of fairness and civil rights," in a razor-thin 5-4 vote along party lines during a special ...

Church Trend Analyst on Things That Will Not Change

Amid all the changes in the Church, there are ...