The demonstration, organised by the newly formed advocacy coalition Voices 4 Justice, is being supported by Open Doors UK & Ireland and other charities. It coincides with the UN International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief.

The seven pastors – Rev Haile Naizge, Dr Kuflu Gebremeskel, Rev. Million Gebreselassie, Dr Futsum Gebrenegus, Rev Dr Tekleab Menghisteab, Rev Gebremedhin Gebregiorgis, and Pastor Kidane Weldou – were arrested in 2003. Since then, they have been held incommunicado in harsh prison conditions, some in shipping containers, without ever being charged or given access to legal representation.

Tiffany Barrens, international global advocacy director for Open Doors, said: “Not one has been charged or brought before a court. They have had no legal representation, and their families have not been permitted to visit them. Their plight epitomises the suffering of thousands of prisoners of conscience currently held without charge or trial in Eritrea. We are calling for their immediate release.”

Despite Eritrea officially recognising three Christian denominations – Catholic, Orthodox, and Lutheran – persecution remains widespread. Even within those groups, church leaders who challenge government control are at risk. Three of the imprisoned pastors are Orthodox priests who were part of a renewal movement opposed by the government.

Eritrea is often described as the “North Korea of Africa” due to its severe restrictions on religious freedom and civil liberties. According to Open Doors, at least 120 Christians were detained without charge between January and May this year alone.

Campaigners have urged continued prayer and advocacy for those imprisoned.

Barrens added: “Their suffering is a stark reminder of the thousands of Christians and people of other faiths in Eritrea who face intimidation, raids, arrests, and years of detention simply for living out their faith.”