What’s the cost of being a journalist in Eritrea?
Dawit Isaak was jailed in 2001, his daughter has not seen him since she was 8 years old
Africa Daily · BBC World Service
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Show Notes
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.