This news comes shortly after the arrest of 141 Christians in Asmara in early May. According to local reports, the arrested individuals will be freed only if they disavow their faith.

The current Eritrean government, only recognizes four religious affiliations, including Sunni Islam, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Eritrea, the Catholic Church, and Orthodox Christianity, even though the constitution proclaims religious freedom. Consequently, religious minorities outside of these four groups face consistent opposition from government bodies.

In recent months, there were reportedly more clashes between even recognized religious groups and the authorities as the government seeks to increase control of religious activities. According to recent reports:

“The authorities, in fact, demand the full control of all organizations of religious origin, such as private schools, medical clinics, and orphanages”—all of which provide needed support to the Eritrean population.