Various sources have confirmed that Berhane Abrehe has been picked up by government security officials.
He was reportedly out walking on the streets of Asmara at around 9.00 am this morning when four security agents arrested him.
Berhane Abrehe’s arrest comes on the eve of the September 18, 2001 crackdown on the media and the opposition.
Berhane – a former minister of finance – had published a two-volume work critical of the Eritrean government and the role of President Isaias Afwerki. He called for a democratic order and the convening of the National Assembly. Berhane challenged the president to a public debate.
His decision to take such a bold step while living inside Eritrea received widespread support.
It drew the backing of several former government officials and senior party members, as reported by the opposition website, Awate.
Five former Eritrean officials issued a joint statement in support of Berhane Abrehe, the former minister of finance who is openly challenging Isaias Afwerki to step down.
The officials who live in exile declared their unequivocal support for the “the call made to depose Isaias from his position and hand power over to the people.” The statement added, “we call on all our coworkers and colleagues from the armed struggle era to rise up in support of the Berhane Abrehe’s call.”
Last Sunday the two books that were authored by Berhane Abrehe were launched in Washington, DC. An audio recording by Berhane distributed on the Internet preceded the launch of his books.
The recording brought to rest a brief confusion that ensued after Gedab News published the news about the books. A few people had cast doubts on the news claiming that un-named individuals wrote the book and used Berhane’s name. Berhane’s friends handled the printing and they are now distributing it.
In the audio clip, Berhane asked Isaias Afwerki to call for a meeting of the “national assembly” which didn’t meet for nearly two decades to the extent that many Eritreans consider it non- existent. In addition, Berhane warns Isaias that, “in the meeting, the assembly will ask you to step down and it will elect your replacement.” He also challenged Isaias to a face-to-face public debate.
Source=https://eritreahub.org/eritrea-berhane-abrehe-arrested
