JUSTICE FOR JOSHUA

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JUSTICE FOR JOSHUA AND ALL PRISONERS OF CONSCI
ENCE
IN ERITREA
Music and lyrics by the Lula Band
Slideshow by Tricia Redeker Hepner, Eritrea
Country Specialist, AIUSA Special thanks to the L
ula Band, Aaron Berhane, and the AIUSA Casework
Program
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BACKGROUND
Eritrea became formally independent from Ethiopia
in 1993 following 30 years of war.
The new society was flush with hope. For sev
en years, peace and freedom were within reach.
In 1998, another war broke out with Ethiopia over
the disputed border. Eritrea was plunged again
into suffering and uncertainty.

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Some began questioning the logic of war and
calling for democratization. Among them were
leading members of the government, independent
journalists, and civil society leaders.
Others simply wished to express their beliefs,
opinions, and identities without fear of persec
ution. The government crushed all opposition
beginning in 2001. Dozens were arrested an
d held without charge, accused of treason and
jeopardizing national security.
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Fessahaye Joshua Yohannes was one of those
arrested in September 2001. Amnesty Intern
ational USA adopted him as a Special Focus Case.
He was held in secret prisons for more than
five years. He reportedly died of torture-re
lated injuries in January 2007.
He was 48.
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Amnesty International and Eritrean human rights
activists all over the world are drawing attenti
on to the crisis in Eritrea. Here, Eritreans i
n Australia demonstrate against human rights
violations. The plight of Joshua and other pris
oners has inspired this global movement.
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THE LIFE OF A PATRIOT . . .
Joshua Yohannes joined the Eritrean independence
struggle as a teenager. He was renowned for hi
s courage, heroism, and dedication to his
country. His creative writings and performance
s earned him respect and admiration among his
compatriots. He was a sensitive, warm, and aff
able person, loved by many.
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In 1994, Joshua co-founded the Shewit Childrens
Theater. A father himself, he worked with chil
dren of all ages. The theater troupe toured th
e country performing Eritreas twin
experiences of suffering and resilience.
In 1997, Joshua turned his talents to journalism
and joined the staff of Setit newspaper.
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The staff of Setit Newspaper, here with President
Issayas Afewerki in 1998, launched the most wid
ely-distributed paper in the country.
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The Setit staff published critical articles on
social and political issues. It was Joshuas jour
nalistic work that led to his arrest in 2001.

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Medhanie Haile
Dawit Habtemichael
Nine other journalists were also arrested in
September 2001 Said Abdulkadir Yosuf Moha
med Ali Medhanie Haile Amanuel Asrat Temes
gen Gebreyesus Dawit Isaac Mattewos Habtea
b Dawit Habtemichael Seyoum Tsehaye

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Dawit Isaac
Amanuel Asrat
Mattewos Habteab
More journalists were arrested in 2002, 2003, and
2006 Among them were those who worked for state
-run media. According to Reporters Without Bor
ders, a total of 22 journalists
were detained without charge in Eritrea through
2006. Only China exceeds this number.
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Haile Woldetensae Gen. Ogbe Abraha
Aster Fissehatsion Reported dead Report
ed dead condition unknown
A group of 15 government officials,
all veterans of the war for independence,
called for democratic reforms in May 2001.
Eleven were arrested in September 2001.
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Berhane Gebreziabher Beraki Gebreselassie
Petros Solomon condition unknown
condition unknown condition unknown
The dissenting officials were known
as the G-15. Setit newspaper had published the
ir critiques.
Saleh Kekiya

Mahmoud Sherifo Reported dead
Reported dead
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Aster Yohannes Veteran, mother, and wife of Petro
s Solomon Arrested December 2003 condition unkno
wn
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Pastor Haile Naizghi Pastor
Tesfatsion Hagos Pastor Kiflu Gebremeskel
All Arrested May 2004
There are more than 2,000 religious prisoners in
Eritrea. Most belong to new evangelical Christian
movements.
The arrests continue today.
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Many religious prisoners are held in aluminum
shipping containers. There is no toilet, wat
er, or light. Dozens are held in one contai
ner at a time.
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Gospel singer Helen Berhane was arrested in
2002. She was held in Mai Serwa army camp in a
metal shipping container. She was released in N
ovember 2006. Her injuries left her in a wheelc
hair.
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Eritreans in South Africa demonstrate for human
rights
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Patriarch Antonios of the Orthodox Church was
placed under house arrest in August 2005.
He had protested the arrest of three priests.
He has been stripped of his vestments and
replaced by a government-appointed patriarch.
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70 Muslims are in prison for protesting a
government-appointed Mufti. Another 35 have disa
ppeared in Keren town alone.
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Eritreans in Germany demonstrate for human rights
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Children in a rural village in Eritrea.
In happier times, these children may have worked
with Joshua, or been inspired by the Shewit
troupes performances.
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Today, Eritrea commands the single largest army
in Africa. Conscription is obligatory and indefi
nite for all young men and women.
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Joshuas green jeep, and his smile, were known
throughout Asmara.
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Eritreans in South Africa have organized on
behalf of their jailed compatriots.
Most are students. Some are earning degr
ees in human rights law.
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Joshua and members of the Lula Band.
The Germany-based musical group wrote this song,
Brother Joe, to protest his imprisonment.
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Eritreans in London demonstrate for human rights
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I chose to walk on this path and fight for the
freedom and rights of the people. I would rather
die a hero, persuading others to believe that
expressing yourself is no shameful act.
IN MEMORY OF FESSAHAYE JOSHUA YOHANNES
1959 - 2007

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TAKE ACTION!!!

• Call on the Eritrean authorities to investigate
  the death of Fessahaye Joshua Yohannes and make
  the results public.
  
• Press the Eritrean authorities to disclose
  information about other prisoners of conscience.
  
  
• Learn more about human rights in Eritrea and how
  AIUSA is seeking justice for Joshua and other
  prisoners of conscience.
  
• http//www.amnestyusa.org/action/special/fyohannes
  .html
  
• http//www.amnestyusa.org/countries/eritrea/index.
  do