Eritrean Christians protest against the detention of followers, call for international community intervention

Addis Ababa, May 22(ENA)-- More than 300 Christians have allegedly been detained during the past two years by the Eritrean authorities following a crackdown on religious groups in the country, BBC reported on Friday.

In May 20002, the ruling Popular Front for Democracy and Justice ordered the closure of churches not belonging to the Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Evangelical Lutheran denominations.

Today (Friday), a section of the banned denominations held a two-hour vigil at the Eritrean embassy in London to protest against the government move and called for the intervention of the international community.

BBC said the embassy officials watch from the windows and some aimed cameras taking the protest. It was evident among the protesters they were deeply concerned of the fate of their brothers and sisters back at home.

An Eritrean informant said the song is generally about churches being closed and we are singing that no one can shut what the Lord has opened. No one can pluck out what the Lord has planted. He is the God does His will, and no one can stop His will.

Asked about how the measure affected him, the informant said "It affected me because I am Eritrean and I am a Christian. And were I actually been in Eritrea at the moment I wouldn't been able to go to Church. I wouldn't been able to instruct my children in my religion. I wouldn't be able to follow my religion and worship in my traditional churches of worship where my parents worshipped."

According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide, an organization championing for the rights of Christians at least 375 Christians have been held in prisons in Eritrea for following beliefs other than the Orthodox, Roman Catholic, or the Lutheran church.

The organization says authorities in Eritrea allegedly conduct raids in private homes whose owners do not recognize the mainstream churches.