Eritrea (Shifta, Sentences) 11. Mr. Peter Freeman asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many members of Shifta were incarcerated on 30th November, 1950: and how many are now in prison. Mr. Ernest Davies Sixty Shifta were serving prison sentences on 30th November, 1950, and 95 on 17th February, 1951. Mr. Freeman What is the period for which these men are now being imprisoned? Mr. Davies I cannot say without notice. Mr. Paton Can my hon. Friend say what are "Shifta"? Lieut.-Commander Gurney Braithwaite The Liberals. Mr. Davies They are armed gangs.