2017
The Eritrean government started a fresh crackdown against Christians in
May and it is continuing. What makes this persecution different is that whole
families are now being arrested and whereas in the past most were picked up at
Bible studies or Christian services now believers are being arrested at their
homes.
Security officials accompanied by an Orthodox priest are turning up at
homes and questioning people over their religious affiliation. All except
Muslims, Orthodox, Catholic and Lutheran are liable for
arrest.
So far about 160 Christians have been arrested, including families with
children. In the capital Asmara 49 people were arrested from Enda Korea during a
wedding celebration. Christians in the northern Red Sea region have also been
rounded up.
According to our partner, 12 children, one as young as two
months, are now in prison with their parents in Adi Quala. One
Christian who tried to ask about the Adi Quala prisoners was also
arrested.
Unbelievably more than 30 children have been left without parents or
guardians and the security police are monitoring them to make sure they do not
get support from the Christian community.
Christians are also being detained and sent to the desert island of
Nakhura in the Red Sea, where weather conditions are
extreme.
Please pray now for all those who have been affected by these arrests,
especially for the children in prison and those left to fend for
themselves.
Pray for an end to this cruel treatment of believers.
