18 September 2026 will mark 25 years since 12 Eritrean writers and journalists were arrested for peacefully expressing their views and calling for reform. They have not been seen since. For a quarter of a century, the Eritrean authorities have held them incommunicado—without charge, trial, or contact with their families.
Join PEN International and PEN Centres in demanding proof of life—now.
Why we must act:
In September 2001, President Isaias Afwerki’s government shut down Eritrea’s independent media and launched a sweeping crackdown on dissent. Twelve writers and journalists—including poets, playwrights, translators, songwriters, editors, and critics—were arrested for their peaceful expression and criticism.
Since then, the Eritrean authorities have refused to reveal where they are or whether they are even alive. Held in secret detention for nearly 25 years, without access to lawyers, medical care, or family contact, they are among the world’s longest-detained writers and journalists.
Their disappearance is not only an attack on freedom of expression, but a deliberate attempt to silence independent voices and erase an entire generation of Eritrea’s cultural and intellectual life. Silence enables impunity.
PEN International and PEN Centres launch global “Proof of Life” campaign backed by acclaimed writers Ben Okri and Rui Umezawa
- PEN has launched a global campaign demanding urgent proof of life, accountability and justice for 12 Eritrean writers and journalists who have been disappeared for 25 years.
- Today, 26 June, marks the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. Enforced disappearance is recognised under international law as a form of torture, as it causes severe suffering through secret detention and prolonged uncertainty over fate or whereabouts.
The 12 writers and journalists include poets, translators, playwrights, songwriters and critics are:
- Amanuel Asrat — journalist, poet, art critic and songwriter
- Dawit Habtemichael — journalist and teacher
- Sahle ‘Wedi-ltay’ Tsefezab — journalist
- Seyoum Tsehaye — journalist
- Said Abdelkadir — journalist
- Said Idris ‘Aba Are’ — journalist
- Yousif Mohammed Ali — journalist
- Medhanie Haile — writer, journalist and translator
- Fessehaye ‘Joshua’ Yohannes — writer, journalist, playwright, poet and lyricist
- Temesgen Ghebreyesus — journalist, comedian, actor and photographer
- Dawit Isaak — journalist, writer and playwright
- Matheos Habteab — journalist
They are among the world’s longest-detained writers and journalists.
Since their arrest in September 2001, during a sweeping crackdown on independent media following the closure of Eritrea’s press, they have been held incommunicado without charge, trial, legal representation, or contact with their families. Eritrean authorities have never disclosed their whereabouts nor confirmed whether they are alive.
“We are holding candles for you in the Eritrean darkness. We will not let your names or your struggles be forgotten. We here at PEN International will go on making a big noise and raising a global racket till you are freed and every last one of you is accounted for.” Extract of a letter of solidarity from Ben Okri to the 12 Eritrean writers and journalists
“We refuse to let this story end as a tragedy. Instead it will be one of courage and resilience in the face of immeasurable suffering, of hope and persistence that prevail over oppression. We will get there. Dawit, you and your colleagues are not forgotten”. Rui Umezawa
Global mobilisation campaign
The campaign, led by PEN International with PEN Eritrea in Exile and other PEN Centres, will run from 26 June throughout 2026. It will invite writers, journalists, cultural figures, and the public worldwide to take part in coordinated actions, including:
- Signing an international petition demanding proof of life
- Writing letters and messages of solidarity to the families of the writers
- Sharing stories and profiles of the detained writers
- Participating in global readings and solidarity actions led by PEN Centres
Follow the campaign page to learn about the disappeared writers and how you can get involved.
Note to Editors:
- For media enquiries and interviews, please contact Sabrina Tucci, Head of Communications and Campaigns at PEN International: [email protected]
- For further information, please contact, Nduko o’Matigere Head of the Africa Region at PEN International: [email protected]
The following will be available for interviews:
- Nduko o’Matigere, Head of the Africa Region at PEN International
- Awet Fissehaye, Director of PEN Eritrea in Exile