BERHANE Abrehe, Eritrea’s former finance minister, has died in custody after nearly six years of imprisonment, according to the UK-based Human Rights Concern Eritrea (HRCE). The 79-year-old former official, a veteran of Eritrea’s war for independence from Ethiopia, had been held incommunicado since September 17, 2018, without any formal charges or trial.
Abrehe was removed from his position as finance minister in 2012 after a falling out with President Isaias Afwerki. His arrest followed the publication of a book in which he criticised the president and called for democratic reforms and greater transparency in the country’s budget.
The HRCE expressed deep concern over Abrehe’s death, highlighting it as a stark example of the continued suppression of freedom of expression and human rights in Eritrea. ‘His arrest and incommunicado imprisonment constituted a clear violation of his fundamental rights,’ the rights group said in a statement.
HRCE has called on the international community to hold the Eritrean government accountable through an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Abrehe’s death. The group urges continued pressure on Eritrea to respect human rights and adhere to the rule of law.
As of now, the Eritrean government has not commented on Abrehe’s death.
