Categories: christianity
Date: 06 March 2009 12:48:51
Today's country is Eriteria.
Languages: Tigrinya, Arabic, Tigre, English
While the Eritrean constitution provides for freedom of religion, since 2001 only Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Eritrean Orthodox and Islamic groups have been allowed to operate. (The population divided approximately 50% Christian/Muslim). The post-communist government is cracking down hard on churches, especially evangelical ones, but even Christians from registered churches can face harrassment and persecution.
Many Christians have been imprisoned, many without ever having been officially charged and tried. Many are held in metal shipping containers or underground prisons in which up to 100 prisoners are locked in utter darkness. Torture and beatings are common and many lose their eyesight (from the prolonged darkness) or become paralysed from the physical abuse.
Many Christians have fled to neighbouring Ethiopia (from which Eritrea gained independence in 1993 after three decades of war). But as we shall find out tomorrow - this is not exactly a safe haven for some.