Asmara: People encouraged by the message from catholic bishops

(Asmara 10/06/2014) Residents in Asmara and the surrounding are said to be encouraged by the pastoral letter, from four Catholic Bishops, criticising the government’s negligence in safeguarding the lives of Eritreans and particularly that of the young people who are fleeing their country in great masses and ending up in situations that are costing their lives.

According to Freedom Friday (Arbi Harnet) activists in Asmara, copies of the letter have started circulating like wild fire across the city streets, many have also heard about the letter from the opposition radio broadcasts and are heartened by the courageous move of the Bishops and also happy about the spiritual content of the message.

The activists who have been checking reaction throughout town since yesterday morning said ‘ at first everyone thought it was priests in the diaspora and that wouldn’t have been surprising or significant in the scheme of things, harsher criticisms are expected from the diaspora, but this is from inside the country and people are really encouraged by the letter and also the fact that it is a message that reflects the realities and concerns of the people, we are working on making some copies available in Asmara’.

In their report this morning the group stated that the priest are bolder than the public anticipated and well prepared for any retaliation from the government.

Responding to a member of his congregation’s concern a priest said:  "did your older son not die in the war of liberation?  did another son of yours and your daughter's son also die in the war against the weyans?... so what are you afraid of?  we the religion people and older people should be courageous enough to sacrifice even our lives for the population and the country.   In order to save us Jesus was crucified. ..and this should be a lesson to us all...".

Similarly another priest was heard encouraging his congregation and telling them to report to him ‘if the government people come knocking at their doors’.

Freedom Friday Activists have also been intouch with the office of the relevant bishops to convey a message of solidarity and support and the offices have requested for the Eritrean public inside the country and in the diaspora to be ‘with them in prayers’.

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