Politics

Eritrean Woman Still Uncertain About Her Parents' Fate 25 Years After Their Imprisonment

AI SUMMARY

An Eritrean woman living in the US reflects on the disappearance of her parents, who were imprisoned 25 years ago alongside other G-15 reformers.

Hanna Petros Solomon's father, Petros Solomon, was arrested on September 18, 2001, after writing an open letter calling for democratic reforms.
Petros Solomon was a former high-ranking liberation war leader, Defense Minister, Foreign Affairs Minister, and Fisheries Minister.
Her mother, Aster Yohannes, returned to Eritrea from the US in December 2003 after receiving assurances of safety, but she was detained upon arrival.
Petros Solomon and other G-15 political prisoners were held in the secret Eiraeiro prison, while Aster Yohannes was detained at Carceri prison.
The Eritrean government has not responded to BBC requests for comment regarding the whereabouts or status of the prisoners.
Ibrahim Sherifo, whose father Mahmoud Ahmed Sherifo was also imprisoned as part of the G-15, shares a similar experience of parental loss.
President Isaias Afwerki has remained in power for three decades without implementing the 2005 constitution or holding national elections.
Hanna Petros fled Eritrea and currently lives in the United States, working as a trauma specialist.