Eritrea Remains Unfriendly To Journalists
After six years in prison, six local journalists are finally released by the Eritrea authorities.
Four of those released worked for Radio Bana, a prominent broadcaster in Eritrea’s capital of Asmara, which was raided in February 2009.
Eritrea is ranked last in press freedom index by rights groups for the previous years. Sixteen other journalists are still detained in Eritrea.
The six freed local journalists were named as Bereket Misghina, Yirgalem Fisseha Mebrahtu, Basilios Zemo, Meles Negusse Kiflu, Girmay Abraham, and Petros Teferi.
At least seven other journalists arrested in 2009 were released in 2014.
US Welcomes Release Of Journalists
In a press statement in Washington DC, US Deparment Jen Psaki said the United States welcomes reports of six journalists released on bail in Eritrea.
“We note with deep concern that the government continues to detain other journalists, reportedly as many as 17.” – Ms. Psaki
Ms. Psaki called on the government to take immediate steps to release these additional detainees, all persons detained on the basis of their religious beliefs, members of the G-15, and all other political prisoners.
As forerunner of press freedom, the United States continues to urge that the Government of the State of Eritrea take comprehensive steps to respect human rights and avail its citizens of their fundamental freedoms.
According to 2013 World Press Freedom Index, Eritrea continues to be notorious for jailing its people and lets journalists die in detention.
