The Eritrean government restricts religious freedom, leading to arrests, imprisonment, and harassment of Christians. Many are held in harsh conditions without trial, and some have faced torture. The country is often ranked among the worst in the world for religious persecution, with the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom highlighting the severe restrictions placed on religious practices.
Why christian persecution?
The persecution of Christians in Eritrea stems from several factors:
1. Authoritarian Regime
: Eritrea is governed by a highly authoritarian regime that tightly controls all aspects of life, including religion. The government views independent religious movements as a potential threat to its power.State
2-sanctioned Religion:
The government recognizes only the Eritrean Orthodox Church, the Roman Catholic Church, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Other Christian denominations are often considered illegal, leading to their persecution.3. Desire for Control:
The regime seeks to maintain control over societal structures, including religious organizations, to prevent any challenges to its authority.4. Cultural Factors:
In some cases, traditional cultural attitudes toward religious diversity contribute to hostility against non-state-sanctioned religious practices.Pardise Eritrea of Shabea