Thirteen people held for more than 18 years without trial in Eritrea have been released from a notorious military prison, relatives of the detainees have told the BBC.
Among those freed were several prominent figures, including 69-year-old Olympian cyclist and businessman Zeragaber Gebrehiwot.
They had been held at Mai Serwa prison, known for its harsh conditions and where many of the inmates are believed to be political prisoners.
An unnamed source who was once detained in Mai Serwa told the BBC that the prisoners were arrested in October 2007 following an assassination attempt on Col Simon Gebredingil, a senior internal security officer in President Isaias Afwerki's government.
Around 30 people were initially detained, but some have been released over the years, leaving about 20 still in custody.
Zeragaber competed in the Moscow Olympics in 1980 when Eritrea was part of Ethiopia.
The mountainous country, which gained its independence from Ethiopia in 1993, has a strong cycling culture and its cyclists have steadily gained international recognition over the years.
Those released along with Zeragaber on Thursday include prominent businessmen Tesfalem Mengsteab and Bekure Mebrahtu, as well as the Habtemariam brothers - David, an engineer, and Matthews, a geometrist. Six senior police officers and an internal security agent were also freed.
The Eritrean government has not issued any statement regarding the releases. Many of the freed individuals are reported to be suffering from illness, raising questions about their condition during detention.
Families were barred from visiting the prisoners throughout their detention, which has been a source of distress for relatives.
The UN and various human rights organizations have long condemned the Eritrean government for allegations of severe human rights violations, including torture, forced disappearances, and the detention of tens of thousands in inhumane conditions.
Mai Serwa prison has expanded to include 20 metal shipping containers where prisoners are held in isolation, according to sources.
Last year, a notable former finance minister died in prison after six years without trial following his criticisms of President Isaias, illustrating the dire situation faced by many incarcerated individuals.
For three decades, Eritrea has operated as a single-party state without a functioning constitution, maintaining one of the world's most militarized societies, enforced by indefinite military conscription.
There has been no free press since 2001, following the arrest of independent journalists and the closure of several newspapers.
Human rights organizations continue to report the cases of political prisoners who remain unaccounted for, exacerbating the call for essential reforms within Eritrea.
