Four Eritrean journalists, including Swedish-Eritrean Dawit Isaak, have been in prison without trial for 24 years. They were arrested in 2001 during a government crackdown on free media and political opposition in Eritrea. Dawit was briefly released in 2005, but was jailed again a few days later. Since then, no one has seen or heard from him or the others. Their families don’t even know if they’re still alive. Human rights groups have been asking for their release for years. They criticize both Eritrea for its cruelty and Sweden for not doing enough to help Dawit. In 2024, a complaint was filed in Sweden against Eritrea’s president for crimes against humanity. Eritrea remains closed to independent journalism, allowing only state-controlled media. In 2023, Eritrean officials falsely claimed they support press freedom at a human rights meeting. Rights groups are urging the world to act now and help free these forgotten journalists.
Pray for the immediate and unconditional release of the longest-detained journalists and other imprisoned activists in Eritrea. Pray for press freedom in the country (The Holy Bible, Psalm 12:5).
Most High GOD, who rules in the kingdom of men, we plead for Your intervention against the oppressive regime in Eritrea. Open the eyes and hearts of the ruler and the authorities of the nation to submit themselves and their works under Your reign (The Holy Bible, Daniel 5:21).
News Source: RSF Reporters Without Borders
Image Source: Canva
