Eritrean political prisoners have not been seen for 20 years

Amnesty International is campaigning for the release of 21 Eritrean political prisoners who have not been seen for two decades.

 

In 2001, the Eritrean government shut down the country's free media and arrested 11 politicians who publicly criticized President Isaias Afewerki and 10 journalists who published open letters from politicians seeking political reform.

 

The Eritrean government says the politicians and journalists were arrested because they posed a threat to national security.

 

The detainees have not yet been charged and their whereabouts are unknown.

 

Amnesty International's Twitter campaign is also underway.

UN experts have called for the immediate release of Eritrean journalist Dawit Isaak, who was recently held without trial for 20 years.

 

According to the United Nations human rights watchdog, David Isaac has not been charged and has not seen a lawyer in the past two decades.

 

Human rights activist Dawit Isaak expressed fears that the journalist was alive and urged Eritrean authorities to provide evidence of the journalist's survival.

 

In connection with the journalist's arrest, Reporters without Borders (RSF) filed a lawsuit against Eritrean President Isaias Afewerki in Sweden months ago on charges of crimes against humanity.

 

In addition to President Isaiah, the group has also charged seven high-ranking officials with crimes against humanity.

 

The group posted on its website at the time that the authorities would charge them with a thorough investigation, arresting, harassing and defrauding the journalist.

 

Eritrea has not held an election since 1993, when it gained independence. President Isaiah has been in power for 28 years.

 

Amnesty International has previously reported on the worst prison conditions in Eritrea. According to these reports, they were subjected to cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment.

 

Eritreans and family members of political prisoners in other countries also plan to hold exhibitions around the world over the next 12 months. This is to attract the attention of the detainees around the world.

 

It will also be on display at the 2022 European House of Commons and the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh and various Amnesty International offices.