One of the founding fathers of the Full Gospel Church in Eritrea has died in prison. The Rev Ghirmay Araya was arrested along with other church leaders in 2004.

He was never charged with any crime. He suffered from diabetes and related illnesses.

The Eritrea regime banned the Full Gospel Church along with many others in 2002.

Partners of UK-based Release International, which serves the persecuted church across the world, say thousands of Eritreans have been imprisoned for their faith since that time. Some have died from torture and untreated illness.

The Rev Ghirmay was arrested in 2021 and held in the maximum-security Wengel Mermera Central Criminal Investigation Centre, along with other church leaders. Some had been detained for 20 years.

One of his sons has also been imprisoned for his faith for the past seven years.

Release International partner Dr Berhane Asmelash said: “I’m deeply saddened by Rev Ghirmay’s death, and express my heartfelt condolences to his wife, their children and his extended family.

“Rev Ghirmay served the church diligently for more than 60 years in both Eritrea and Ethiopia. His ministry extended across the Orthodox, Lutheran, and finally Full Gospel churches. He left five children and 13 grandchildren. He went to be with the Lord at the age of 83.”

Dr Berhane expressed concerned for the welfare of the hundreds of other Christian prisoners in Eritrean jails. “Many are getting on in age and suffer from various health conditions.

“All our calls to the government of Eritrea have fallen on deaf ears. So I call on the international community and fellow believers to put pressure on the government about trying to stop this barbaric act against people who have done nothing wrong.” (Release International)