In April 2023, more than 100 talented Christian young people, who are members of a musical group known as the Mahalians, were arrested after recording songs of praise which they had intended to share on YouTube. The government deemed their recording session to be an illegal church gathering. For more details, go to this page.
In September, it was announced that close to half of the detained youth had been released (see this report). Since then, more imprisoned believers have gained their freedom, generally in small groups at a time. As of late November, it was reported that around 20 young people were still being held in captivity, with hopes that they too would soon be released.
While there has been no change in governmental policy, Church in Chains reports that hundreds of Christian prisoners have been released in the past few months, and that fewer believers than normal were arrested during the same period. The total number of Christians currently incarcerated for their faith in Eritrea is estimated to be around 300.
Praise God that many of these detained young people, as well as hundreds of other Christian prisoners, have been recently released from captivity. Please continue to prayerfully uphold those who presently remain imprisoned, asking that they too will soon be safely released and joyfully reunited with their families. May God work deeply within the hearts of the Eritrean authorities and, as a result, bring about positive changes in the religious policies of this East African nation so followers of Jesus will be granted their rightful freedom to worship Him and praise His holy name.
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