During the recent wave of mass arrests of Christians, Eritrean authorities took into custody Dr Michael Mehari, who is said to be one of the country’s leading paediatricians.  Apparently, providing medical care to infants and children in one of Africa’s poorest countries does not excuse the crime of publicly worshipping Christ.

Among those arrested, over the last few weeks, is Dr Michael Mehari, of Kale Hiwet church in Asmara, a renowned paediatrician, who was known for his commitment to his work and dedication to his faith. Dr Michael is a father of atleast [sic] four young children who are now undergoing the uncertainty that has been the fate of all other children and families of prisoners as Eritrean authorities do not allow any visitation rights.
[…]
With the arrest of Dr Michael, Eritrean authorities have now arrested three prominent doctors on the count of their Christian faith; Rev Dr Fitsum Gebrenigus, the only Eritrean psychiatrist in the country and Rev Dr Tekelab Mengisteab, a diabetics specialist, have been under arrest since 2004.

It is now estimated that over 3000 Christians are incarcerated in Eritrea. Most are held without formal charges in extremely inhumane conditions.

h/t: International Christian Concern

Possibly related posts

• 19 April 2009 -- Eritrea “turning into a giant prison”
• 10 April 2009 -- Supporters of Eritrean government charge Italian with “disruption”
• 21 January 2009 -- Two more Eritrean Christians die in prison camp
• 22 December 2008 -- Mass arrests of Christians in Eritrea

Tags: Eritrea, Persecution
Filed under: Africa, Christianity, Religious Liberty/Persecution
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