Thirteen people, including 69-year-old Olympian cyclist Zeragaber Gebrehiwot, have been released from a notorious military prison in Eritrea after being held without trial for over 18 years.
The detainees, who were arrested in 2007 following an assassination attempt on a senior government official, were held at Mai Serwa prison, known for its harsh conditions.
Those released include prominent businessmen Tesfalem Mengsteab and Bekure Mebrahtu, as well as the Habtemariam brothers, David and Matthews. Six senior police officers and an internal security agent were also freed.
The Eritrean government has not commented on the releases, and families were not allowed to visit the prisoners during their detention.
Eritrea has been accused of gross human rights violations, including torture and forced disappearance, with tens of thousands imprisoned in inhumane conditions.
President Isaias Afwerki has ruled the country for 32 years without an election, and there has been no free press since 2001.
