Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08ASMARA320
2008-06-13 09:09:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Asmara
Cable title:
GSE'S LATEST HARASSMENT OF RELIGIOUS GROUPS
how-toVZCZCXRO8470 RR RUEHROV DE RUEHAE #0320 1650909 ZNY CCCCC ZZH R 130909Z JUN 08 FM AMEMBASSY ASMARA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 9741 INFO RUCNIAD/IGAD COLLECTIVE RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC RUEKDIA/DIA WASHDC RUMICEA/JICCENT MACDILL AFB FL RUEPADJ/CJTF-HOA J2X CAMP LEMONIER DJ
C O N F I D E N T I A L ASMARA 000320
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR AF/E AND DRL/IRF
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/12/2018
TAGS: PHUM KIRF ER
SUBJECT: GSE'S LATEST HARASSMENT OF RELIGIOUS GROUPS
REF: ASMARA 319
Classified By: Ambassador Ronald K. McMullen for reason 1.4(d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L ASMARA 000320
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR AF/E AND DRL/IRF
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/12/2018
TAGS: PHUM KIRF ER
SUBJECT: GSE'S LATEST HARASSMENT OF RELIGIOUS GROUPS
REF: ASMARA 319
Classified By: Ambassador Ronald K. McMullen for reason 1.4(d).
1. (C) The Government of the State of Eritrea (GSE) continues
to harass both approved and compliant (registered, but not
yet approved),religious groups. On June 5, the Eritrean
military expropriated property of the Catholic Church near
the Expo circle in Asmara. The Church was reportedly given
several days notice prior to the confiscation and were
ordered to vacate the building. When the Church did not
comply, soldiers arrived at the building and ejected the
employees. The building itself, which formerly served as
office space and was later converted to warehouse space, is
currently being guarded by Eritrean soldiers.
2. (SBU) During a house raid on May 28, Eritrean police
reportedly arrested 34 evangelical Christians of the Berhane
Hiwet (Light of Life) Church in Keren. This number includes
10 women, one of whom was pregnant. Of the 10 women, all but
4 were released. (Note: Whether one of the releasees was the
pregnant woman is unclear. End Note.) All prisoners were
reportedly transferred to the Adi-Abyto Military prison.
This raid follows closely behind the May 24 arrest of 25
Protestant Christians in Asmara who were later incarcerated
at the military camp in Wi'a.
3. (C) Comment: These events come on the tail of reports
that the GSE is planning to try three prominent pastors for
treason (reftel). According to Jim McLaughlin (protect) of
nongovernmental organization, Catholic Relief Services, the
GSE does not appear to be targeting particular groups.
Instead, McLaughlin postulates, the recent events are a
continuation of the GSE's long-standing policies to repress
religious organizations. End Comment.
MCMULLEN
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR AF/E AND DRL/IRF
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/12/2018
TAGS: PHUM KIRF ER
SUBJECT: GSE'S LATEST HARASSMENT OF RELIGIOUS GROUPS
REF: ASMARA 319
Classified By: Ambassador Ronald K. McMullen for reason 1.4(d).
1. (C) The Government of the State of Eritrea (GSE) continues
to harass both approved and compliant (registered, but not
yet approved),religious groups. On June 5, the Eritrean
military expropriated property of the Catholic Church near
the Expo circle in Asmara. The Church was reportedly given
several days notice prior to the confiscation and were
ordered to vacate the building. When the Church did not
comply, soldiers arrived at the building and ejected the
employees. The building itself, which formerly served as
office space and was later converted to warehouse space, is
currently being guarded by Eritrean soldiers.
2. (SBU) During a house raid on May 28, Eritrean police
reportedly arrested 34 evangelical Christians of the Berhane
Hiwet (Light of Life) Church in Keren. This number includes
10 women, one of whom was pregnant. Of the 10 women, all but
4 were released. (Note: Whether one of the releasees was the
pregnant woman is unclear. End Note.) All prisoners were
reportedly transferred to the Adi-Abyto Military prison.
This raid follows closely behind the May 24 arrest of 25
Protestant Christians in Asmara who were later incarcerated
at the military camp in Wi'a.
3. (C) Comment: These events come on the tail of reports
that the GSE is planning to try three prominent pastors for
treason (reftel). According to Jim McLaughlin (protect) of
nongovernmental organization, Catholic Relief Services, the
GSE does not appear to be targeting particular groups.
Instead, McLaughlin postulates, the recent events are a
continuation of the GSE's long-standing policies to repress
religious organizations. End Comment.
MCMULLEN