Dawit Isaak, a journalist who has been imprisoned without trial in Eritrea for 23 years, has been awarded the prestigious Edelstam Prize for his unwavering commitment to freedom of expression.
Isaak, who holds dual Eritrean-Swedish citizenship, received the award “for his exceptional courage” in defending human rights, according to a statement from the Edelstam Foundation.
Isaak, one of the founders of Setit, Eritrea’s first independent newspaper, was arrested in 2001 after his publication ran letters calling for democratic reforms in the country.
Along with other journalists, senior government officials, and members of parliament, Isaak was detained in a government crackdown on dissent, during which many of his fellow prisoners are presumed to have died.
For over two decades, the Eritrean government has provided no information about Isaak’s whereabouts, health, or any formal charges against him, effectively rendering him an “enforced disappearance.”
Despite being denied access to his family, legal counsel, or consular assistance, Isaak’s courage in standing up for free expression has made him a symbol of the struggle for press freedom.
The Edelstam Prize, which honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional bravery in defending human rights, will be presented to Isaak’s daughter, Betlehem Isaak, in Stockholm on November 19, as her father remains imprisoned in Eritrea.
The Edelstam Foundation has called for his immediate release and urged the Eritrean authorities to disclose his location and allow him legal representation.
Caroline Edelstam, chair of the Edelstam Prize jury, emphasized that Isaak “is the longest-detained journalist in the world,” expressing grave concern over his unknown whereabouts and health.
“His indefatigable courage stands as a testament to the principle of freedom of expression,” she added.
The award highlights the lack of press freedom in Eritrea, where the government shut down all private media outlets in 2001 under the guise of “national security.”
Eritrea remains the only African country without privately owned media, and President Isaias Afwerki has maintained power for nearly 31 years without holding elections.
The Edelstam Foundation has called on the international community to intensify pressure on Eritrea to release Isaak and pursue human rights reforms, ensuring that his struggle for freedom of expression is not forgotten.
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