World's longest detained journalist honoured

A journalist detained in an Eritrean prison without trial for 23 years has won a Swedish human rights prize for his commitment to freedom of expression. BBC News reports that Dawit Isaak, who holds dual Eritrean-Swedish citizenship, was awarded the Edelstam Prize ‘for his... exceptional courage’, the foundation behind the award said in a statement. Dawit was one of the founders of Setit, the nation’s first independent newspaper. He was detained in 2001 after his paper published letters demanding democratic reforms. He was detained along with senior Cabinet Ministers, MPs and independent journalists. The Edelstam Prize, awarded for exceptional courage in defending human rights, will be presented on 19 November in Stockholm. Dawit's daughter, Betlehem Isaak, will accept the prize on his behalf.

The Edelstam Foundation has called for Dawit's release, urging the Eritrean authorities to disclose his location and allow him legal representation. ‘Dawit Isaak is the longest detained journalist in the world. We are very concerned about his health and his whereabouts are unknown. He is not charged with a crime, and he has been denied access to his family, consular assistance, and the right to legal counsel – effectively, it is an enforced disappearance,’ said Caroline Edelstam, the chair of the Edelstam Prize jury. BBC News notes that the foundation also urged the international community to pressure Eritrea for Dawit's release and to advocate for human rights reforms.

Dawit Isaak profile

Full BBC News report