Source: Raoul Wallenberg Centre
Free Dawit Isaak Now
Wrongfully Imprisoned in Eritrea Since 2001
September 23, 2026 marks 25 years since the enforced disappearance and arbitrary detention of Swedish-Eritrean journalist Dawit Isaak in Eritrea.
For a quarter of a century, Dawit Isaak has been imprisoned without charge or trial, denied contact with his family, stripped of his legal rights, and deprived of basic humanitarian protections.
Dawit and his colleagues are the longest detained journalists in the world.
They are among thousands of political prisoners being held in Eritrea.
It is time to act.
Europe’s Rol
Dawit Isaak is a Swedish and EU citizen.
In September 2025, Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard publicly requested Dawit Isaak’s immediate and unconditional release on humanitarian grounds. Months later, Eritrean authorities have still not complied.
Swedish and EU officials responsible for foreign affairs, consular protection, and human rights policy have failed to secure meaningful progress in his case for nearly 25 years.
These officials continue to operate without sustained public scrutiny.
That must change.
Join the call for Dawit Isaak:
Take one minute to email Swedish and EU officials demanding:
- Proof of life
- Consular access
- Independent medical care
- Dawit Isaak’s immediate release
Send your message to Swedish and EU officials today.
Email Swedish officials:
Click here to urge Swedish officials to take action for Swedish citizen Dawit Isaak.
Email European Union officials:
Click here to urge European officials to take action for EU citizen Dawit Isaak.
Email Swedish Representatives to the EU Parliament:
Click Here to urge European Union representatives to take action for EU citizen Dawit Isaak.
Here’s what we’ve done.
Our letter appealing to Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Our letter appealing to Ulf Kristersson, Prime Minister of Sweden
Our letter appealing to Isaias Afwerki, President of Eritrea
Dawit’s Case
Hear Their Voices: Families of Detained Eritrean Journalists Call for Their Release
INTERNATIONAL COALITION
The Global Appeal for Action for Dawit Isaak is led by the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights and endorsed by an international coalition of human rights groups, comprised of: Committee to Protect Journalists, Edelstam Foundation, Eritrea Focus, Free Dawit, Global Liberty Alliance, Hostage Aid Worldwide, Human Rights Foundation, Human Rights Solidarity, Pen Eritrea and Reporters Without Borders.
