Dawit Isaak, a journalist who has been imprisoned in Eritrea without trial for 23 years, has been awarded the prestigious Edelstam Prize for his unwavering dedication to freedom of expression.
Isaak, who holds dual Eritrean-Swedish citizenship, was honored by the Edelstam Foundation for his exceptional courage in the face of severe repression. He was one of the founders of Setit, Eritrea’s first independent newspaper, and was arrested in 2001 after publishing articles calling for democratic reforms.
Along with about two dozen other prominent individuals, including cabinet ministers and journalists, Isaak was swept up in a government crackdown. Since his arrest, the Eritrean government has not provided any updates on his condition or whereabouts, and many of those imprisoned alongside him are presumed dead.
The Edelstam Prize, which recognizes extraordinary bravery in defending human rights, will be awarded on November 19 in Stockholm. Isaak’s daughter, Bethlehem Isaak, will accept the prize on his behalf, as he remains imprisoned in Eritrea.
Isaak’s work with Setit was rooted in criticisms of the Eritrean government and calls for greater democratic freedoms. His detention follows a wider crackdown on journalists and political opponents in the country.
Caroline Edelstam, chair of the Edelstam Prize jury, highlighted Isaak as the world’s longest-detained journalist, expressing concern over his health and unknown whereabouts. She called his situation an “enforced disappearance,” as he has been denied legal representation, contact with his family, and consular assistance.
The Edelstam Foundation has also urged the Eritrean government to reveal Isaak’s location and grant him legal rights. The foundation emphasized the need for international pressure on Eritrea to secure his release and promote human rights reforms.
Eritrea, which has had no privately owned media since 2001, is one of the most repressive regimes for journalists. Dawit Isaak, a Swedish citizen who fled Eritrea during its war for independence, returned to the country after its independence in 1993.
Eritrea has not held elections since its independence, and President Isaias Afwerki has remained in power for nearly 31 years.
