Eritrea: Well-known Christian evangelical singer Helen Berhane released
Posted: November 22, 2006
Helen Berhane was held in a metal shipping container because of her religious beliefs. © Private
In October, Helen Berhane, a well-known Christian evangelical singer, was released in Eritrea.
She had been detained without charge or trial for two and a half years at Mai Serwa military camp.
She spent most that time in terrible conditions inside a metal shipping container which was used as a prison cell. The authorities reportedly tortured her many times to make her give up her faith.
Helen Berhane was among 2,000 detained members of banned evangelical churches in Eritrea, including her own Rema church, which has been persecuted by the Eritrean government in the last four years.
In October 2006, Helen Berhane was admitted to hospital in the capital Asmara as a result of new beatings. She was released in late October but is said to be confined to a wheelchair due to the injuries she sustained to her feet and legs. She refused to abandon her faith despite the threats and ill-treatment.
Many international musicians had joined Amnesty International in speaking out for Helen Berhane's freedom - including Gwen Stefani, Coldplay, and Sting.
In spite of Helen Berhane's release, Amnesty International remains concerned that the Eritrean authorities are continuing to persecute people because of their religious beliefs.