Voice of the Martyrs Canada quotes from a Compass Direct report number imprisoned believers at over 1900. Many of those prisoners are subjected to torture and forced labor because of their evangelical stand.
To date, reports show that none of the religious prisoners of conscience in Eritrea have been brought before a court of law to be charged or tried.
In May 2002, the government banned all churches outside of the Catholic, Protestant, orthodox Christian and Islamic mainstream. Anyone practicing a faith outside of these few is accused of practicing "a new religion."
Subsequent oppression of these practicers (made up largely of evangelicals) led to global criticism of human rights. Reports continue to trickle out of the country detail torture, inhumane treatment and general harassment of believers.
Despite open persecution, the government continues to support its statement issued in May 2003 that "no groups or persons are persecuted in Eritrea for their beliefs or religion."
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