Name: Girmay Araya (75)
Country/Area of Origin: Eritrea
Background: Girmay Araya is a pastor from the Full Gospel Church
Reason for Arrest:
In late July 2021, Eritrean authorities entered the home of Pastor Girmay Araya in the middle of the night, detained him, and transferred him to an undisclosed location. It was later clarified that Pastor Araya is currently located at maximum-security Wengel Mermera Central Criminal Investigation Interrogation Centre in Asmara. It remains unclear why Pastor Araya has been arrested, as he was nearing retirement and only occasionally oversaw a few Christian funerals and weddings.
It was also revealed that Eritrean authorities sought out to detain another individual, Pastor Georgio Gabreab (72), but upon seeing him ill in bed they warned him he was under house arrest until he was healthy and could be detained. Pastor Gabreab has been unwell for quite a long time and previously served a five-year prison camp sentence for his faith.
Latest Updates:
- 24 September 2021: International Christian Concern received news from their contacts that Pastor Araya still remains in detention and that there is no clarification regarding his charges.