Popular Gospel Singer Hospitalised as Eritrea Persecution Intensifies

Helen Berhane, the Eritrean gospel singer jailed since May 2004, has reportedly been transferred to a hospital in Asmara in a serious condition, Christian Today has been told.

According to reports, Berhane, who showed signs of having suffered physical mistreatment, was seen in the hospital on a wheelchair. She has also not been allowed to receive visitors, tells Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW).

31-year-old Berhane is a member of the Rhema Pentecostal Church, and she was incarcerated soon after releasing an album of gospel music popular among young Eritrean Christians, reports CSW.

Berhane is reported to have been held for extensive periods of time in shipping containers and underground cells at the Mai-Serwa military camp. She has repeatedly refused to sign a paper recanting her faith, and has refused to promise not to participate in church-related activities.

|QUOTE|Berhane's hospitalisation comes at a time of increasing intimidation in Eritrea. Last week, the authorities in the Adi Segdo suburb of Asmara detained forty members of the Kale Hiwot Church, ten of whom were children.

When relatives attempted to visit them carrying food and blankets, they too were arrested. The government recently seized all assets of the Kale Hiwot Church, closing an orphanage and schools for disadvantaged children, tells CSW.

CSW Advocacy Director Alexa Papadouris said: "We are deeply disturbed by news of Helen Berhane's condition. She has been incarcerated without charge or trial for the last two years and appears to have suffered the most appalling mistreatment simply because of her faith, and despite the provisions for freedom of worship contained within the Eritrean Constitution.

"We urge the Eritrean Government not only to ensure the physical safety of Helen Berhane and other prisoners in her position, but also to guarantee that she receives the treatment necessary to ensure her full and swift recovery."