Abune Antonios, the 79-year-old Patriarch, or Head, of the Eritrean Orthodox Church, has been under house arrest in Asmara, the capital, since January 2006. Amnesty International considers him to be a prisoner of conscience. According to unconfirmed reports, Abune Antonios has been held incommunicado for the last five months and is not receiving adequate medical attention for his diabetes. His life may be in danger if he does not receive the treatment that he requires.
