A group of thirteen people detained for more than 18 years without trial in Eritrea have been freed from a infamous military prison, according to family members of the detainees.
Among those freed were several prominent figures, including 69-year-old Olympic athlete and entrepreneur Zeragaber Gebrehiwot.
They had been incarcerated at Mai Serwa prison, renowned for its severe environment and where many inmates are considered political prisoners.
An unnamed source who was previously held in Mai Serwa indicated the prisoners were arrested in October 2007 following an attempted assassination on a senior internal security officer in the government.
Around 30 people were initially detained, per the source. Some have been released over the years, but roughly two dozen remained in custody.
Zeragaber competed in the Moscow Games in 1980 when Eritrea was part of Ethiopia.
The mountainous country, which achieved sovereignty from Ethiopia in 1993, possesses a deep-rooted tradition of cycling and its cyclists have increasingly earned global acclaim in recent years.
Those released with Zeragaber comprise prominent businessmen Tesfalem Mengsteab and Bekure Mebrahtu as well as the Habtemariam brothers - David, an technical professional, and Matthews, a surveyor.
Six senior police officers and an internal security agent were released as well.
The Eritrean government has not issued any statement concerning the releases.
Many of them are in poor health and this may be the reason why they have been released at this time.
Relatives were prohibited to visit the prisoners during their incarceration, the family members reported.
The UN and rights organizations have consistently criticized the Eritrean government of gross human rights violations, including torture, forced disappearance and the detention of many thousands of people in deplorable circumstances.
Mai Serwa facility, located about 9km north-west of the capital, Asmara, has grown over the years to incorporate 20 metal shipping containers in which prisoners are held without contact, according to reports.
Over the last three decades, Eritrea has remained a single-party nation with no functioning constitution. It is among the world's most militarized countries, with compulsory national service of unlimited duration.
There has been no free press since the shutdown of private publications and detention of most of their staff in 2001.
This occurred after the government detained 15 politicians known as the G-15, along with 16 journalists, after they demanded that the head of state implement the draft constitution and conduct democratic polls.
Per rights groups, the fate and whereabouts of 11 of the politicians, as well as the journalists allegedly having links to the G-15, are still unconfirmed.
Now 79 years old, the president recently passed 32 years in office and has still never faced an electoral contest.
Elara Vance is a dedicated MapleStory enthusiast and gaming writer, known for creating in-depth guides and staying updated on game mechanics.
