Yonatan Yonas has been imprisoned in Eritrea since October 2005
Jehovah’s Witnesses Imprisoned for Their Faith—By Location
Over 284 of Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide are imprisoned for their faith as of August 2026.
Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guarantees the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. However, in some countries, Jehovah’s Witnesses are denied this right, facing unjust imprisonment and mistreatment for practicing their faith or for conscientiously objecting to military service.
“Keep in mind those in prison, as though you were imprisoned with them.”—Hebrews 13:3.
See Also
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Pressure People to Change Religions?
Is the public preaching of Jehovah’s Witnesses proselytism? Are they trying to force others into religious conversion?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Maintain Political Neutrality?
Are they a threat to national security?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why Don’t Jehovah’s Witnesses Go to War?
Jehovah’s Witnesses are known worldwide for refusing to go to war. Learn why we take this stand.
GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS
SPECIAL REPORT: The Persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Eritrea
GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS
