A/HRC/7/10/Add.1 page 24 the mandate practice concerning “Persons deprived of their liberty” (see above para. 1, category III. 2.) and with regard to “Freedom of expression including questions related to religious conflicts, religious intolerance and extremism” (see above para. 1, category IV. 1.). Eritrea Communication sent on 25 May 2007 jointly with the Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief and the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture 89. The Special Rapporteurs brought to the attention of the Government information they had received concerning Mr. Zecharias Abraham, Mr. Mikias Mekonnen and 76 churchgoers. According to the information received, police forces arrived at the Mehrete Yesus Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Asmara during a service on 29 April 2007 and arrested Mr. Abraham, the pastor of the church, Mr. Mekonnen, an elder, and 78 other persons attending the service. Amongst those arrested were a man and woman from the United States of America and a number of school teachers from India. On 3 May 2007, the two United States citizens were released. Mr. Abraham, Mr. Mekonnen and the other 76 persons, however, remain detained at an undisclosed location without access to their families and legal counsel. Considering their reportedly incommunicado detention, concerns were expressed that the 78 individuals might be at risk of torture or other ill-treatment. Observations 90. The Special Rapporteur regrets that she has not received a reply from the Government concerning the above mentioned allegation. She would like to refer to her framework for communications, more specifically to the international human rights norms and to the mandate practice concerning “Freedom to worship” (see above para. 1, category I. 3. a.). The Special Rapporteur wishes to emphasize that the right to freedom to worship is not limited to members of registered religious communities, since registration should not be a precondition for practising one’s religion, but only for the acquisition of a legal personality and related benefits. Communication sent on 30 May 2007 jointly with the Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention 91. The Special Procedures mandates holders brought to the attention of the Government information they had received regarding Mr. Abune Antonios, the 79-year-old Patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Church. Mr. Antonios was placed under house arrest in Asmara in January 2006. The reason for the house arrest would appear to be that he protested against the arrest of three Orthodox priests from the Medhane Alem Orthodox Church and refused to cooperate with the authorities in closing down this church. The Special Procedures mandates holders expressed particular concern over reports that Mr. Antonios had been held incommunicado for the last five months, which had prevented him from receiving adequate medical attention for his diabetes. As a consequence, his health is reportedly at serious risk.