Reverend Ghirmay Araya

by 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. Reverend Ghirmay, one of the founding members of the Full Gospel Church in Eritrea, was taken from his home and incarcerated without charge. He suffered from diabetes and other related illnesses.

The Full Gospel Church was banned by the Eritrean regime in 2002, and its senior leaders have been imprisoned since 2004. Over the last decades, thousands of Eritreans have faced imprisonment for their faith, with several dying either due to torture or as a result of untreated illnesses. Reverend Ghirmay was among these, enduring his suffering with steadfast faith.

Tragically, one of Reverend Ghirmay’s sons has also been imprisoned for his faith for the last seven years. Release Eritrea expresses profound sadness over this bereavement and extends concern for all other prisoners of faith.

Rev. Dr. Berhane Asmelash, Director of Release Eritrea, stated:

"I am deeply saddened by Reverend Ghirmay’s death and am concerned for the welfare of all other prisoners who are also getting on in age and suffer from various health conditions. All our calls to the government of Eritrea have fallen on deaf ears, and so I call on the international community and fellow believers, as well as those concerned about human rights, to put pressure on the government to stop this barbaric act against people who have done nothing wrong. I take this opportunity to express my heartfelt condolences to his wife, their children, his extended family, and the church he served diligently for many years."

About Release Eritrea

Release Eritrea is dedicated to advocating for the freedom of religious prisoners in Eritrea and promoting human rights. We call on the international community to stand with us in condemning these injustices and demanding the release of those imprisoned for their faith.