Dawit Isaak, a journalist imprisoned in Eritrea without trial for 23 years, has been honored with Sweden’s Edelstam Prize for his dedication to freedom of expression. Isaak, who holds dual Eritrean-Swedish citizenship, was recognized for his courage despite prolonged detention and lack of access to legal representation or family.
Isaak was one of the founders of Setit, Eritrea’s first independent newspaper, and was arrested in 2001 after publishing letters advocating for democratic reforms. Along with other journalists and political figures, he was detained in a government purge targeting dissent. Isaak’s current whereabouts and health remain unknown, and he has never been formally charged with a crime.
The Edelstam Prize, named after Swedish diplomat Harald Edelstam, will be presented on November 19 in Stockholm. Isaak’s daughter, Betlehem Isaak, will accept the award on his behalf. The Edelstam Foundation has also called for the Eritrean authorities to reveal Isaak’s location and allow him access to legal counsel.
Eritrea has been criticized for its media policies, being the only African country without privately owned media, following the closure of independent outlets in 2001. Since gaining independence in 1993, Eritrea has not held elections, and President Isaias Afwerki has remained in power for nearly 31 years.