The detention of more than 100 Christian men, women and children in Eritrea is “deeply troubling”, says one group working to support the persecuted church.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide is calling on the international community to put pressure on Eritrea to keep its international and constitutional human rights obligations.

According to the group, a campaign of mass arrests was initiated in late November across a number of towns before reaching the capital Asmara on 12 December. Christians of all denominations have been affected by the arrests.

Local sources told CSW that detained Christians were being transferred to a military facility where they were reportedly physically abused. There is speculation that some have died as a result of their injuries after being denied access to medical treatment.

CSW’s Advocacy Director, Tina Lambert, said: “The resumption of mass arrests is deeply troubling. We are particularly concerned by reports indicating that some detainees may even have died from injures sustained during mistreatment. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who may now be grieving for friends and family members.

“We call on key members of the international community to remind the Eritrean government of its international and constitutional obligations with regard to freedom of religion and the humane treatment of prisoners, and to urge the regime to permit all detainees to have unhindered access to immediate family members, medical treatment, and legal representation.”

A delegation headed by the government imposed administrator of the Eritrean Orthodox Church, Yoftahe Dimetros, failed to gain an audience with Roman Catholic Church officials in Italy and was denied access to Milan’s Kidist Mariam Eritrean Orthodox Church on a recent visit to Europe. The Milan church stated that the delegation did not represent the Eritrean Orthodox Church.