Eritrea’s government has released 36 prisoners who were arrested because of their faith. 14 of the prisoners were in detention for close to four years while 22 others were recently detained over a month ago.
Eritrea, a highly militarized Muslim nation had in 2002 forbade any other form of Christianity except Orthodox, Catholic and Lutheran. All the released persons were of either Pentecostal or Evangelical demoninations.
The government believes that the banned religious affiliations are instruments of a foreign government. Although over 20 Muslims were released in September last year, many religious campaigners insist that many still remain in confinement.