The plight of imprisoned Eritrean gospel singer Helen Berhane showcased

THE ALBUM of a gospel singer, imprisoned in Eritrea, was promoted in the UK at a special event focussing on the human rights situation in her home country. 31 year old Helen Berhane is a member of Eritrea's Rhema Church and was incarcerated in May 2004. At the time, she had just released an album of gospel music popular among young Eritrean Christians. She is reported to have been held for some time in a shipping container at the Mai-Serwa military camp, and to have refused to sign a paper recanting her faith and promising not to participate in Protestant activities.

Ms Berhane is one of over 1700 members of banned evangelical churches in Eritrea who have been detained without charge or trial on account of their religions affiliations. According to sources, her faith remains strong in spite of her current tribulations. During the month of May, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) and Release Eritrea are planning a series of events in London to highlight the persecution of Christians in Eritrea. The CD was launched at an evening of prayer at St Paul's Church, Robert Adam Street, London on 20th May.