Proclaim 'Release!' for Eritrea

"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, for the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed."

- Isaiah 61: 1

Image of a chains wrapped around a hand

People praying in a church in Ethiopia

What Is Release Eritrea?

Release Eritrea is a global partnership of Eritrean Evangelicals standing in solidarity with the persecuted Eritrean church.

On May 22 2002, the PFDJ (the ruling party of Eritrea) ordered the closure of all churches not belonging to the Orthodox, Roman Catholic or Evangelical Lutheran denominations.

On several occasions since then the Eritrean government issued blanket denials of the existence of persecution in the country stating that 'no groups or persons are persecuted in Eritrea for their beliefs or religion' and that people were 'free to worship according to their wish'.

The unitary one-party presidential republic's human rights record is considered by Human Rights Watch to be among the worst in the world.


Press Releases

Search Filters

Release Eritrea Highlights Severe Religious Persecution in Eritrea and the Crisis in Tigray

Author: Release Eritrea

At the 56th session of the UN Human Rights Council today, Release Eritrea presented a powerful statement underscoring the severe human rights violations faced by the people of Eritrea and Tigray.

Posted on June 20, 2024, 4 p.m.

Reverend Ghirmay Araya

Author: Release Eritrea

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Reverend Ghirmay Araya, who died in prison after several years of incarceration for his Christian faith in Eritrea.

Posted on May 16, 2024, 8:01 p.m.

Renewed Persecution of Christians in Eritrea

Author: Release Eritrea

In a distressing development, several Christians have once again fallen victim to persecution in Eritrea.

Posted on April 27, 2024, 10:15 p.m.

In Loving Memory of Tesfaldet Meharenna

Author: Release Eritrea

Release Eritrea is saddened by the death of our friend and brother Tesfaldet Meharenna.

Posted on Jan. 29, 2024, 4:37 a.m.

Over a Hundred Young Eritreans Detained for Trying to Record Christian Music on YouTube

Author: Release Eritrea

Eritrean authorities have, earlier this week, arrested 103 young Christians, who gathered to sing together and record worship music to release on YouTube.

Posted on April 21, 2023, 11:42 a.m.

Christian Pastor in Eritrea Denied Burial Ground

Author: Release Eritrea

Eritrean Christians are mourning the passing away of a pastor who was detained for ten years for belonging to a banned faith group.

Posted on April 21, 2023, 11:36 a.m.

Page 1 of 6