A/HRC/7/3/Add.1 page 95 Para 69. Country Ethiopia Date 09/01/07 Type JUA Mandate WGAD; FRDX; HRD; IJL; TOR Allegations transmitted Government response Witnesses are currently detained solely on the basis of their religious beliefs in the Eritrean prisons of Sawa Camp, Mai Serwa and Sembel Prison Asmara. The first eleven persons have been imprisoned for conscientious objection to military service whereas the others were arrested while attending religious meetings or sharing their faith with people in public. Mr. Paulos Eyassu, Mr. Isaac Mogos and Mr. Negede Teklemariam have been imprisoned since 24 September 1994 in the Sawa Prison for conscientious objection although the maximum legal penalty for refusing to perform national service is 2 years. Furthermore, they are denied any visitors, including their families. No specific charges have been filed against them and they have never been given a trial. The conditions of detention in Sawa Camp are harsh with overcrowding and extremely restricted access to medical care. Most of the prisoners are said to be held in metal containers and underground cells. Tilahun Ayalew, Anteneh Getnet (subject of a previously transmitted communication, A/HRC/4/33/Add.1, para. 69), and Meqcha Mengistu, prominent members of the Ethiopian Teachers' Association (ETA). Mr. Tilahun Ayalew was arrested on 14 December 2006 and Mr. Anteneh Getnet on 29 December 2006. Both have since been held incommunicado by police at the headquarters of the central investigation bureau (Maikelawi) in Addis Ababa. Mr. Tilahun Ayalew and Mr. Anteneh Getnet appeared before a judge, but they were neither charged, nor given access to legal counsel or their relatives. Since 15 By letter dated 24/01/07, the Government informed that they were detained by Addis Ababa Police Commission for alleged violations of the criminal law in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Code and accepted international standards. Ethiopian law enforcement agencies have scrupulously followed appropriate legal procedures and due process rights while taking the aforementioned individuals to custody. Hence, the concern expressed regarding their physical integrity is unfounded. The detainees were brought before the Federal High Court within 48 hours. In accordance with the Criminal Procedure