by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) - Eritrean officials have re-arrested 15 Christians who had previously been incarcerated for their faith, some for up to 16 years, the Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) reports.
All 15 of the believers newly arrested live in the Eritrean capital city of Asmara; they were arrested following raids on their homes, ICC reports. It is understood the believers were arrested after the authorities came into possession of a list of Christian contacts.
The believers have all been imprisoned in Mai Serwa maximum security prison in Asmara, ICC reports. They join around 160 Christian prisoners incarcerated across Eritrea for their faith.
In its report, VOM asked the worldwide church to “remember the many Christians who are presently suffering for their faith amid the inhumane conditions of Eritrea's prisons.” VOM also asked for prayers to uphold the prisoners’ families “who must endure years of separation without being permitted to visit their imprisoned loved ones or even verify their state of health and well-being.”
VOM further asked that God would move the heart’s of government officials to treat citizens justly and allow freedom of religion. Moreover, VOM requested prayer for the Gospel to go forward in Eritrea: “Pray for the ongoing efforts of evangelists who, despite the risks of ill-treatment and imprisonment, continue to courageously share the Good News of the Gospel throughout the nation.”
Eritrea ranks six on the US Open Doors Watch List of top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted.