WiPC 2009 Resolution: Eritrea

The Assembly of Delegates of International PEN, meeting at its 75th International Congress in Linz, Austria, 19-25 October 2009:

Deeply concerned that the Swedish-Eritrean journalist, writer and playwright Dawit Isaac has been detained incommunicado without charge or trial in Eritrea since a crackdown on the private press in September 2001, along with four other journalists and eleven former members of cabinet who signed an open letter critical of the government. All 15 have been denied visits by their family members or international human rights and journalists' organisations. Another four journalists arrested along with Isaac have reportedly died in custody;

Further concerned that Isaac is reportedly in poor health, suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes, both dangerous conditions if left untreated;

Troubled by reports that Isaac was transferred to a military hospital in an unknown location to receive medical treatment in January 2009 but as of September 2009 had reportedly been returned to prison;

Calls on the Eritrean authorities to:

Reveal details of Dawit Isaac's whereabouts and provide assurances that he is receiving all necessary medical treatment;
Bring about the immediate and unconditional release of Isaac and the 15 other Eritreans imprisoned since 2001 for their writings.

Also calls on the Swedish government, which currently holds the presidency of the European Union, to call on all EU states to demand Isaac's immediate and unconditional release and for that of all other Eritreans held in denial of their right to freedom of expression.