Second student reported dead

A second University of Asmara student has reportedly died while in government detention. According to the University president, Woldeab Isak, the student, Yemane Tekee, died while undergoing treatment for heatstroke at Halibet Hospital on 19 August, AFP reported on 20 August. The first student, Yirga Yosef, a third year student, also reportedly died of heatstroke, on 14 August, AFP said 16 August. The students were said to be held in a place called Wia some 30 km from the port city of Massawa, where temperatures reach as 49 degrees centigrade, said AFP. Some 2,000 students are being held in detention for refusing to report to summer work programme until their student union president, Semere Kesete, arrested on 31 July, was released or brought to court. Kasete was arrested three days after he made a speech critical of the government at a graduation ceremony, said AFP.