Christians around the world were disturbed to learn of the recent prison death of courageous Eritrean evangelist Magos Semere. Semere died February 15th at a military confinement facility outside the southern port city of Assab. According to Compass Direct, one source said 30-year old Semere died from “physical torture and persistent pneumonia” because he was physically abused and not given proper medical treatment for his injuries and illness. Semere reportedly would have been given medical treatment if he had signed a statement renouncing his faith. Knowing he would possibly die if not treated, the bold evangelist refused to sign the document.

Those of us who monitor and investigate persecution against Christians in restricted nations and hostile areas around the world were not surprised by Semere’s mistreatment and death. The Eritrean government launched a crackdown against evangelicals starting in early 2002, when it implemented a new law banning all but three recognized Christian denominations. Those officially allowed by the government are the Orthodox Church of Eritrea, the Roman Catholic Church and the Lutheran-affiliated Evangelical Church of Eritrea. Sunni Islam is also recognized.

The 2002 law required all religious groups to register their churches and those other than the three officially recognized ones were forced to provide the government with financial and membership details. Because of the registration requirement, all churches and worship services other than those recognized were shut down pending government approval. So far, none have been approved for operation other than Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Lutheran. All others were forced underground as a result.

The government appears to be aligned with the Orthodox Church, but even officials within the Orthodox Church—especially those who have broken with orthodox tradition-- have experienced persecution at the hands of Eritrean government officials.

During the period 2002-2005, Evangelical and Pentecostal Christians experienced the worst persecution. Some reportedly were jailed in shipping containers. At least 2,000 Eritreans are currently imprisoned for their religious beliefs in jails and military facilities throughout the country.

More recently, on February 18th, Eritrean security police arrested 10 Christians at a home in the capital city of Asmara. The Christians said they had only gathered for a private reception honoring a newly married couple. Most were members of a renewal movement Sunday School within the Orthodox Church.

Please remember to pray for our suffering brothers and sisters in Christ in Eritrea and those suffering in prison as if bound with them (Heb 13:3).

To learn more, click on these links:

http://persecution.net/pnp.htm#1

http://www.persecution.tv/