Remembering the mass imprisonments of Eritrean journalists, activists, and politicians in September 2001 by the PFDJ government of Eritrea:
Around September 2001, mass imprisonments occurred in Eritrea. Eritrean students, activists, and popular journalists such as Dawit Isaak were imprisoned. Eritrean news media outlets were banned, and Eritrean politicians known as the G-15 were illegally detained by the PFDJ government of Eritrea.
Among the Eritreans who were imprisoned are Aster Fissehatsion, her husband Mahmoud Ahmed Sheriffo, the former foreign minister of Eritrea, Haile Woldetensae, Petros Solomon, General Ogbe Abrehe, and many more.
The Eritrean government accused the G-15 of treason against Eritrea. However, no court has found them guilty of violating any laws that warranted their imprisonment. In 2001, the G-15 called for political reforms in Eritrea, the implementation of the Eritrean constitution, and the convening of the national parliament of Eritrea. It is believed that disagreements between President Afwerki and the G-15 over the border conflict with Ethiopia, initiated by the TPLF rulers of Ethiopia over the Badme triangle of Eritrea, led to strained relations between the PFDJ and Afwerki. However, there is no evidence that the G-15 collaborated with the enemy, which is why the Eritrean government was wrong to imprison them. They fought for Eritrea; Petros Solomon played a key role in the liberation of Massawa in 1990, which was crucial in freeing Eritrea. Any disagreements should have been resolved peacefully, not through endless imprisonments.
Apart from the mass imprisonments of 2001, in the following years, the PFDJ detained many Eritreans. Those who attempted to flee Eritrea or were accused of aiding relatives to escape due to the prolonged military service were imprisoned in Eritrea on treason charges.
Finally, former Minister of Finance Berhane Abrehe was imprisoned for six years from 2018 until his passing. He was detained for publishing a book in which he criticized the Eritrean government.
Justice is needed for the Eritrean prisoners. Eritreans should be informed about the status of prisoners in Eritrea, including the G-15. Legal reforms in Eritrea, such as enacting a constitution, establishing independent courts, ensuring that prisoners have the right to appear before a court, and allowing only a court to determine if someone has committed a crime, are necessary. Eritrean political prisoners deserve justice and should be released.