Amnesty international seeks release of 28 inmates in Eritrea

Amnesty international has called the Eritrean government for the release of 28 prisoners arrested 18 years ago without trial.

The 11 politicians and 17 journalists were arrested in 2001 after criticing president Isaias Afwerki, who has governed since Eritrea became an independent country in 1993.

The politicians were arrested for writing an open letter to the president asking him to respect the constitution, which was ratified but never implemented.

None of the 28 have been seen or heard from since nor have any of them been formally charged with any offence.