Betlehem Isaak, the daughter of imprisoned journalist Dawit Isaak and a dedicated advocate for press freedom, shares her profound journey in the face of Eritrea's harsh media repression. She discusses the grim reality of independent journalism in her home country, marked by government crackdowns that have ensnared many journalists, including her father. Betlehem reflects on the emotional toll of years of separation and the recent honor of receiving the Edelstam Prize, emphasizing the urgency for international action to support human rights and freedom of expression.
Eritrea is ranked last in press freedom, having banned independent media since 2001 and repressing dissenting voices.
Bethlehem Isaak reflects on the personal trauma of her father's imprisonment and calls for international intervention to support Eritrean human rights.
Deep dives
The Grim Reality of Journalism in Eritrea
Eritrea is considered the most dangerous country in the world for journalists, as independent media has been completely banned since 2001. The government holds a grim grip on information, allowing only state-run media to operate under strict control, leaving no room for independent voices. Numerous journalists have been jailed without trial, with many, like Dawit Isaac, having faced over two decades of detention and severe mistreatment. Dawit, once a key figure in Eritrea's first independent newspaper, is now a symbol of the country’s oppressive regime and the dire situation for press freedom.
The Trauma of Separation
Bethlehem Isaac, daughter of imprisoned journalist Dawit Isaac, reflects on the profound impact of her father's detainment on her life and the struggles of family separation. Having not seen her father since 2002, she described the trauma of their last meeting in a hospital, where he appeared calm yet was undoubtedly concerned about his situation. The anguish of not knowing his condition or well-being is compounded by the ongoing repression faced by countless Eritreans. For Bethlehem, articulating her father's story is both a burden and a source of strength, allowing her to keep his legacy alive.
Call for International Action
Bethlehem Isaac emphasizes the urgent need for the international community to intervene against the Eritrean government's oppressive tactics and human rights violations. She urges a stop to financial support that enables the regime to sustain its repressive practices, highlighting how diaspora taxes force Eritreans abroad to choose between their homeland and their principles. The comparison of Eritrea to North Korea underlines the severity of the situation, with many citizens living under constant fear and repression. Bethlehem’s hope is that with continued advocacy and support from global actors, changes can be achieved to secure freedom and justice for her father and the broader Eritrean populace.
Eritrea is the worst place to work as a journalist in the world and is one of the most repressive countries on press freedom.
In the latest World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders, Eritrea was ranked last out of 180 countries.
Since 2001, the government has banned all independent media outlets, leaving only state-controlled media under the Ministry of Information. That year, about 11 journalists were arrested and put in jail without trial in a crackdown against the country’s first independent newspaper.
Half of them have since died while the rest, including journalist Dawit Isaak, languish in prison.
Mr Isaak is now considered to be one of the world's longest detained journalists.
He was recently recognised with the prestigious Edelstam prize in Sweden for his commitment to freedom of expression. His daughter Betlehem Isaak will be receiving the award on his behalf today.
Africa Daily’s Alan Kasujja spoke to her about campaigning for her father’s release and what she believes needs to be done to make this happen.
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