Olympian and other Eritreans freed after 18 years without trial, relatives tell the BBC

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 3 min read 100% complete December 5, 2025 at 03:11 PM

AI Summary

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After being detained for over 18 years without trial, thirteen Eritreans, including Olympian cyclist Zeragaber Gebrehiwot, have been released from the notorious Mai Serwa prison. Relatives informed the BBC that prominent businessmen, engineers, and police officers were among those freed. The prisoners were arrested in October 2007 following an assassination attempt on a senior security officer. Mai Serwa prison is known for its harsh conditions and holding political prisoners. The Eritrean government has not commented on the releases. The UN and human rights groups have long accused Eritrea of human rights violations, including imprisonment in inhumane conditions.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

President Isaias Afwerki 60% Col Simon Gebredingil 70% Bekure Mebrahtu 80% Tesfalem Mengsteab 80% Mai Serwa prison ×290% Zeragaber Gebrehiwot ×2100% Eritrea ×4100%

Keywords

eritrea 100% imprisonment without trial 90% release of prisoners 90% political prisoners 80% mai serwa prison 80% human rights violations 70% olympian 60% isaias afwerki 50% forced disappearance 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Negative

Score: -0.30

Source Transparency

Source

BBC News - World

Political Lean

Center (0.00)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

Eritrea

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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eritrea imprisonment without trial release of prisoners political prisoners mai serwa prison human rights violations olympian isaias afwerki forced disappearance

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