In Eritrea, press freedom is almost non-existent. Since 2001, the government has shut down all private newspapers and arrested many journalists, writers, and poets without trial. At least 12 are still in prison, making them the longest-detained journalists in the world. The government, led by President Isaias Afwerki, controls all media and punishes those who speak out or ask for reform. The government wants to erase these voices from the country’s memory. Many of those arrested in 2001 had shared an open letter calling for change. Awet Fissehaye, a poet and former prisoner, and his group fight to keep the truth alive by sharing facts, supporting exiled writers, and remembering those still jailed. They believe that one day, Eritrea will be free, and justice will come for the oppressed press.
Pray for press freedom and freedom of expression in Eritrea. Pray for the immediate and unconditional release of all the imprisoned journalists in the country (The Holy Bible, Psalm 126:4).
Pray for the end of the oppressive regime in Eritrea. Pray for the Eritrean government to uphold the rights and freedom of all the citizens in the country (The Holy Bible, Psalm 72:4).
News Source: PEN America
Image Source: Canva
