The Eritrean government has released 13 individuals who had been held without trial in a military prison for 18 years, according to family members.

The detainees were confined at Mai Sirwa, a high-security military facility. The group includes businessmen, police officers, and professionals from various fields. They were released on Thursday, December 4, 2025, and reunited with their families without explanation.

A former detainee, speaking to BBC Tigrigna on condition of anonymity, said he was arrested in October 2000 in connection with an alleged assassination attempt on Colonel Simon Gebredengel, then head of internal security. Initially, around 30 people were detained; some were released over time, leaving 20 in the prison under harsh conditions.

Prisoners held for extended periods without court orders were reportedly denied family visits throughout their detention. None of the 13 released individuals ever appeared in court during their 18-year imprisonment.

The Eritrean government has not issued a comment on the releases.