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.
English PEN is proud to join colleagues from Eritrea and around the world to honour those disappeared, to show that they have not and will not be forgotten, and to demand justice and accountability.
Daniel Gorman, Director of English PEN
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.
The campaign launched on 26 June, marking 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.
You are constantly in our minds. You are the focus of our unceasing struggles to set you free. We know that what you are enduring is not easy, but out here thousands of us are keeping the flame of the hope of your freedom alive. All over the world we are with you.
Ben Okri, Honorary Vice President, English PEN
(Extract of a letter of solidarity to the 12 Eritrean writers and journalists)
Global mobilisation campaign
The campaign, led by PEN International and PEN Eritrea in Exile with support from sibling centres, including English PEN, will run from 26 June throughout 2026. It will invite writers, journalists, cultural figures, and the public to take part in coordinated actions, including:
- Signing a global petition demanding proof of life
- Writing letters and messages of solidarity to the families of the writers
- Sharing stories, writing and profiles of the detained writers
- Participating in global readings and solidarity actions led by PEN Centres
Follow PEN International’s campaign page to learn about the disappeared writers and how you can get involved.
For further information, please contact: [email protected]