March 26, 2009

The rampant human rights abuses and massive atrocities are worsening in Eritrea. The government of Isayas continues to arrest, kill, and shoot citizens. As a result, many Eritreans are fleeing the country.

1. On March 11, 2009, the Eritrean security forces arrested 10 women from the village of Geza Medebai and took them to Ksad Iqa. Since then, their whereabouts have not been known. During the arrest, the women were out in search of gold along the ridges of Mereb.

2. On March 9, 2009, Eritrean intelligence units shot and killed three soldiers in the area of Gela. The soldiers were among a group of seven soldiers who were fleeing the country. The soldiers were members of the 16th army division in the Eritrean Defense Forces.

3. On March 14, 2009, one soldier and three civilian women fled the country, crossed the Eritrean-Ethiopian border, and arrived at refugee camp, in Northern Ethiopia. The soldier was a member of the 16th army division in the Eritrean Defense Forces.

4. On March 18, 2009, four women and seven men fled the country and arrived in Ethiopia. One of the females was a member of Eritrean Defense forces.

5. On March 23, 2009, three civilians and seven soldiers fled the country and arrived in Ethiopia. Two of the soldiers were from the Eritrean Air Force, two from the 16th army division, two from the 11th army division and one from the 49th army division.