Abune Antonios

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Eritrea

Religion or Belief: Christian – Orthodox

Reports of Medical Neglect: Yes

Date of Detainment: May/27/2007

Date of Death: February/9/2022

Current Status: Died in Custody

Religious Leader: Yes

Most Recent Type of Abuse: House Arrest

Reason for Persecution: Religious Figure & Religious Leadership Role Resisting State Interference into Religious Affairs

Nature of Charges: Not Applicable

Abune Antonios

Extra Bio Info:

Abune Antonios was placed under house arrest and died in state custody for resisting state-interference in church affairs.

On January 20, 2006, authorities notified Antonios, patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Church, that he would be removed as patriarch and placed under house arrest.  The move by authorities came after Antonios had called for the release of political prisoners and resisted government pressure to excommunicate members of the church. 

On May 27, 2007, the government replaced Antonios with Bishop Dioscoros of Mendefera, forcefully removed Antonios from his home, and detained him at an undisclosed location.

On July 16, 2017, authorities allowed Antonios to make a public appearance for the first time in over a decade, attending mass at St. Mary's Cathedral in Asmara.

On July 19, 2017, the government moved Antonios to a new location, reportedly to provide better living conditions.

On February 9, 2022, Patriarch Antonios died after 16 years of house arrest.  The next day, he was buried at Abune Andreas Monastery.

Antonios reportedly suffered from diabetes and was denied proper medical care.

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