Name: Haile Nayzgi
Country/Area of Origin: Eritrea
Background: Prior to his arrest, Nayzgi was the senior accountant at World Vision, an accountant with World Evangelical Alliance, and the Chair of the Full Gospel Church of Eritrea.
Reason for Arrest:
On 23 May 2004, Nayzgi was arrested during a 5 AM raid on his home, during which two other Eritrean Christian leaders – Dr. Kiflu Gebremeskel and Pastor Tesfatsion Hagos – were also arrested. Eritrean security authorities confiscated the keys to their churches.
Nayzgi was immediately transferred to Wengel Mermera Central Criminal Investigation Interrogation Centre. He and the group he was arrested with have had no formal charges raised against them.
Latest Updates:
- In October 2021, Dr. Gebremeskel had been frequently visiting the hospital under tight security after developing stress-induced hypertension and diabetes during his time in detention.
- In March 2016, it was reported that Nayzgi’s wife was warned she may also be arrested and therefore decided to flee Eritrea with the couple’s children. They have successfully resettled in a third country and are living in safety. In light of the news of his wife and children’s safe relocation, Nayzgi wrote a letter of gratitude to Voice of the Martyrs.
- In August 2004, Nayzgi’s family went to the prison to attempt to give him food and clothing, but they were informed that he had been transferred to another location. Nayzgi has been moved to multiple other locations since his arrest, but his whereabouts remain unknown.