Fears for Aussie held in Eritrea

FEARS have been raised for the safety of a 47-year-old Australian who has not been seen since being detained in Eritrea at Christmas while working for a British private security company.

Adrian Troy, an ocean-going captain and former British commando, was working for Protection Vessels International on anti-piracy operations when he and a colleague were arrested by authorities in the port of Massawa. They were then taken to Asmara.

Last night, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it was working with British officials to gain access to Mr Troy, a dual national.

It is understood consular officials in London and Canberra are very concerned about the men’s health and safety because of Eritrea’s refusal to allow access to the pair, now held for more than eight weeks. “DFAT is working closely with the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London and the British embassy in Eritrea, seeking to gain consular access,” a senior official said.

Eritrean officials have accused the two men of spying, according to a report in Britain’s Independent newspaper. The men are being held under extremely harsh conditions, it reported yesterday.

Short URL: https://english.farajat.net/?p=2171

Posted by farajat on Feb 14 2011 Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry