In brief
Dawit Isaak, a journalist imprisoned in Eritrea without trial for 23 years, has been awarded the Edelstam Prize for his courageous dedication to freedom of speech. His daughter will accept the award in Stockholm, highlighting ongoing concerns about human rights in Eritrea.
Dawit Isaak, a journalist who has endured 23 years of detention in Eritrea without any trial, has been awarded the Edelstam Prize by the Edelstam Foundation in Sweden, recognizing his remarkable dedication to the principles of free expression. Dawit, who holds both Eritrean and Swedish citizenship, earned this prestigious award "for his exceptional courage," as outlined in the statement released by the foundation.Isaak was a co-founder of Setit, Eritrea's first independent newspaper, and was arrested in 2001 following the publication of letters advocating for democratic reforms. His detention occurred amid a broader governmental crackdown that led to the arrest of numerous individuals, including senior officials and independent journalists. Over the years, the Eritrean authorities have provided little to no information regarding his health or whereabouts, and many of those jailed alongside him are believed to have died.The Edelstam Prize will be formally presented on November 19 in Stockholm, with Dawit's daughter, Betlehem Isaak, receiving it on her father’s behalf while he continues to serve his sentence in Eritrea. The award organization has called for his release, demanding that Eritrean authorities reveal his location and grant him legal representation."Dawit Isaak is the longest-detained journalist in the world. We are alarmed for his health and well-being, as he has gone without charges, family contact, consular aid, or legal support—essentially making his case a forced disappearance," expressed Caroline Edelstam, chair of the Edelstam Prize jury. She emphasized that Dawit's "unyielding bravery reflects the essence of freedom of expression."The Edelstam Foundation has also urged the global community to advocate for the release of Dawit Isaak and push for essential human rights reforms within Eritrea. The award commemorates those who demonstrate extraordinary bravery in the protection of human rights, in memory of Swedish diplomat Harald Edelstam.Eritrea is noted for having the only media landscape in Africa without privately owned press; the government effectively eradicated private outlets in 2001 under the guise of "national security." Dawit left Eritrea for Sweden in 1987 during the struggle for independence but returned following the country's official independence from Ethiopia in 1993. Since then, no elections have been held in Eritrea, and President Isaias Afwerki has maintained power for nearly 31 years.
