Eritrean-Swedish Journalist, Held for 23 Years, Awarded Swedish Human Rights Prize

A Swedish human rights award has been granted to a journalist who has been held in an Eritrean prison for 23 years without trial, in recognition of his dedication to freedom of expression. Dawit Isaak, possessing both Eritrean and Swedish citizenship, received the Edelstam Prize. The foundation presenting the award stated that it was bestowed “for his… exceptional courage.” Mr. Isaak co-founded Setit, which was Eritrea’s inaugural independent newspaper. His arrest occurred in 2001, following the publication by his newspaper of letters advocating for democratic reforms. Mr. Isaak was part of a group of approximately two dozen people, comprising senior cabinet ministers, members of parliament, and independent journalists, who were apprehended during a government crackdown. For years, the Eritrean government has withheld any details regarding his location or health status, and numerous individuals incarcerated with him are believed to have died. The Edelstam Prize, which recognizes extraordinary bravery in upholding human rights, is scheduled to be awarded on 19 November in Stockholm. Since Mr. Isaak remains incarcerated in Eritrea, his daughter, Betlehem Isaak, will receive the award for him. His contributions to Setit involved critiquing the government and advocating for democratic reform and free expression, actions that resulted in his apprehension during a suppression of opposition. The Edelstam Foundation has demanded Mr. Isaak’s release, pressing Eritrean authorities to reveal his whereabouts and grant him access to legal counsel. Caroline Edelstam, who chairs the Edelstam Prize jury, stated: “Dawit Isaak is the longest detained journalist in the world. We are very concerned about his health and his whereabouts are unknown, he is not charged with a crime, and he has been denied access to his family, consular assistance, and the right to legal counsel – effectively, it is an enforced disappearance.” She added that his “indefatigable courage stands as a testament to the principle of freedom of expression.” Furthermore, the Edelstam Foundation appealed to the international community to exert pressure on Eritrea for Mr. Isaak’s liberation and to champion human rights reforms. The Edelstam Prize commemorates Swedish diplomat Harald Edelstam by recognizing individuals who demonstrate extraordinary bravery in defending human rights. Eritrea stands as the sole African nation without privately owned media, having closed its private press in 2001, citing “national security” as the justification. Mr. Isaak, who sought refuge in Sweden in 1987 amidst Eritrea’s war for independence, came back to the country after it achieved independence in 1993, having acquired Swedish citizenship. Since its independence, Eritrea has not held any elections, and President Isaias Afwerki has maintained power for almost 31 years. For additional news from the African continent, visit BBCAfrica.com. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa, or on Instagram at bbcafrica. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external sites. Information on our external linking policy is available.