Journalists in Eritrea: A Legacy of Repression and Silence

June 10, 2025 – Eritrea – 

Eritrea remains one of the most repressive countries for journalists, with a history of arbitrary detentions and a complete absence of independent media. Since the government’s crackdown on the press in 2001, many journalists have been imprisoned without charge or trial, enduring harsh conditions and prolonged isolation.

Dawit Isaak: The Longest-Imprisoned Journalist

Dawit Isaak, a Swedish-Eritrean journalist and co-founder of Setit, Eritrea’s first independent newspaper, was arrested in September 2001 during a government purge targeting independent media. Despite holding dual citizenship, Isaak has been detained without trial for over two decades. He has been denied access to family, legal counsel, and medical care, and his whereabouts remain unknown. In 2024, he was awarded the Edelstam Prize for his exceptional courage in defending human rights, with his daughter accepting the award on his behalf.

Other Imprisoned Journalists

Isaak is not alone in his plight. Other journalists arrested during the same period include:

• Seyoum Tsehaye: A former head of Eri-TV, Eritrea’s state broadcaster, Tsehaye was arrested in 2001 and has been held incommunicado ever since. His niece founded the “One Day Seyoum” campaign to advocate for his release.
• Fesshaye Yohannes: A founder of Setit, Yohannes was imprisoned in 2001 and died in custody in 2007. He was posthumously awarded the International Press Freedom Award in 2002.
• Yirgalem Fisseha Mebrahtu: A journalist and poet, Mebrahtu was arrested in 2009 and spent six years in prison without trial. She was released in 2015 and now lives in exile in Munich.

The State of Press Freedom in Eritrea

Eritrea is the only African country without privately owned media. The government controls all information, and any dissent is swiftly suppressed. Journalists operate under constant threat of arrest, torture, and disappearance. The international community continues to call for the release of imprisoned journalists and for reforms to restore press freedom in Eritrea. However, the government’s silence and refusal to disclose information about detainees persist, leaving many to languish in prison without hope of justice.

Reference – 

Eritrea and the World’s Longest Imprisoned Journalist with Betlehem Isaak

The World’s Longest-Jailed Writers and Journalists: What we know about the writers and journalists detained for more than 20 years in Eritrea