In brief
Dawit Isaak, a journalist detained in Eritrea without trial since 2001, has been awarded the Edelstam Prize for his unwavering commitment to freedom of expression. His daughter will accept the award on his behalf as calls for his release intensify.
Dawit Isaak, a journalist who has been held in an Eritrean prison for 23 years without trial, has been honored with the prestigious Edelstam Prize. The Swedish human rights award recognizes individuals for their exceptional courage in advocating for freedom, and Isaak was acknowledged for his steadfast commitment to freedom of expression and human rights.Isaak, a dual Eritrean-Swedish citizen, co-founded Setit, Eritrea's first independent newspaper. His detention occurred in 2001 after Setit published letters that clamored for democratic reforms in the repressive regime of Eritrea. He was arrested alongside a group of prominent figures, including high-ranking government ministers and independent journalists, during a widespread crackdown on dissent by the Eritrean government.Over the years, there has been a chilling silence from the Eritrean authorities regarding Isaak’s health and whereabouts, with many detainees from that time presumed dead. The Edelstam Prize, named in honor of Swedish diplomat Harald Edelstam, will be presented on November 19 in Stockholm, with Isaak’s daughter, Betlehem Isaak, accepted the award in his absence, as he remains imprisoned.The Edelstam Foundation has urged the Eritrean government to disclose information about Isaak and allow him access to legal representation. In a statement, Caroline Edelstam, the chair of the award’s jury, expressed deep concern for Isaak’s health, condemning his situation as an enforced disappearance. She emphasized that Isaak’s resilience symbolizes the struggle for freedom of expression in an oppressive environment.The foundation is also rallying international support to press Eritrea for Isaak's release and to advocate for necessary reforms in human rights. Eritrea is notorious for its lack of a free press, having shut down all private media outlets in 2001, citing national security concerns, leaving the country without privately owned journalism. Since gaining independence in 1993, Eritrea has not held any elections, and the current president, Isaias Afwerki, has been in power for nearly 31 years.
