Eritreans from across the United States participated in a peaceful demonstration outside the Eritrean Embassy in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, objecting religious persecution in Eritrea.

During the rally, demonstrators called for the unconditional release of all Eritrean Christian prisoners of conscience illegally detained by the Government of Eritrea, and for the reinstatement of freedom of religious worship denied many Eritrean Christians since May 2002.

According to UK-based Release International, one of the co-sponsors of the rally, demonstrators were able to sing and pray in the open air, in public—something that is denied to thousands of their fellow citizens in Eritrea. A number of Pastors and church leaders, led prayers and worship under posters depicting pictures of their colleagues now in prison for their beliefs.

"It is both thrilling and poignant to see compatriots from across the United States gathered here to object the illegal incarcerations of our brothers and sisters and their continued persecution," said Aklil Habtzion of Release-Eritrea in a statement.

Anne Buwalda Director of Jubilee Campaign, which co-sponsored the rally in conjunction with Christian Solidarity International and Release-Eritrea, said, "I really enjoyed getting to know a lot of the Eritrean crowd who I just started conversations with as to why they were there. Almost everyone knew one or more jailed pastor. I could hardly hold back tears as some of them shared why they honor and respect their pastors and why they came from as far away as Minnesota and Atlanta to attend because of their love for their pastors."

According to Release International, the rally was followed by a series of successful meetings attended by a delegation representing the partner organisations and Eritrean church leaders from across the United States. The delegation met with several senators and congressmen as well as officials of the state department.





Anthony Chiu
Christian Today Correspondent