Dawit Isaak: Eritrea’s Longest-Imprisoned Journalist Honored After 23 Years Behind Bars

November 11, 2024 -Eritrea/Sweden –

Dawit Isaak, a dual Eritrean–Swedish journalist and one of the founders of Setit, Eritrea’s first independent newspaper, has been imprisoned without trial since September 2001. His arrest followed Setit’s publication of a letter advocating democratic reforms, alongside other prominent intellectuals and politicians—a purge that led to the shutdown of all independent media in Eritrea.

For over 23 years, Isaak’s fate has remained a mystery. Eritrean authorities have provided no official information about his whereabouts, well-being, or legal status. He remains in de facto detention—lacking contact with family, legal representation, or external oversight—leading many to believe he is effectively “disappeared”.

Despite this, Isaak’s courageous commitment to press freedom has been internationally acknowledged. On November 19, 2024, he was awarded the prestigious Edelstam Prize—an honor recognizing exceptional courage in defending human rights—making his daughter, Betlehem, the recipient on his behalf. The award ceremony in Stockholm shined a spotlight on Isaak’s enduring struggle and called for transparency and accountability from Eritrean authorities.

Caroline Edelstam, chair of the Edelstam Prize jury, described Isaak’s case as “an enforced disappearance” and stressed the urgency of locating him, releasing him, and providing access to legal counsel—measures he has been denied since 2001. The foundation also urged the international community to leverage diplomatic pressure to free Isaak and push for broad human rights reforms in Eritrea.

Isaak’s case is emblematic of Eritrea’s extreme repression: a country ranked last in global press freedom and the only African nation without private media. No elections have been held since independence, and the government continues to detain around a dozen journalists and writers without charge—many presumed dead or missing in secret facilities.

Through his silence, Isaak has spoken volumes: he represents the global crisis facing independent journalism under authoritarian regimes. His international recognition reaffirms that the fight for free expression endures, and underscores the urgent demand for justice—and for his long-overdue freedom.

Reference – 

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2024-11/long-detained-eritrean-journalist-wins-rights-prize.html

https://www.africanews.com/2024/11/13/worlds-longest-detained-journalist-wins-rights-prize//

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp87yrwn644o