ERISAT Symposium Marks 24 Years since Closure of Eritrea’s Independent Preiss
September 18, 2025 — ERISAT hosted its annual symposium on Facebook and YouTube today, commemorating the 24th anniversary of the closure of Eritrea’s independent newspapers and the subsequent arrests and disappearances of their editors and journalists.
The keynote address was delivered by former Eritrean High Court Judge Habteab Yemane, who described September 18, 2001, as “a dark day” in the nation’s history. He recalled how the government shut down independent media outlets and detained journalists and politicians, actions he said marked the official declaration of lawlessness in Eritrea.
“We might not know where the Eritrean journalists are, but we clearly know the price they paid—a hefty price for freedom of the press,” Judge Habteab said. “The regime may detain their bodies, but it cannot contain their ideas and their legacy.” He urged Eritreans to honor the disappeared journalists by continuing their work, adding that oppressive regimes eventually fall, while those who sacrifice for press freedom will be remembered as martyrs of free press on the world stage. He also called for greater collaboration among diaspora-based Eritrean media outlets.
Speaking later, Ahmedin emphasized the resilience of Eritreans both at home and abroad. He noted the despair caused by widespread human rights abuses and the lack of basic services in Eritrea, but stressed that resilience remains a source of strength. “Yes, we in the diaspora are divided, but we are alive—still speaking, still gathering, still protesting, and still remembering,” he said. “That is not weakness. That is resilience. And resilience is the seed of hope.”
The final speaker, journalist and publisher Tedros Abraham, gave a detailed presentation on the principles of ethical journalism. He explored the idea of “consequence neutrality” and opened with the question, “Is truth impartial?” His remarks challenged viewers to reflect on the complexities of journalistic ethics and the importance of independent reporting.
The symposium concluded with a collective call to action to uphold the mission of Eritrea’s disappeared journalists by supporting ethical, independent media and ensuring that their sacrifices were not in vain.
