PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
20 years of limits on press and freedom of expression in Eritrea (14 September 2021)

That this House notes that 18 September 2021 will mark the 20th anniversary of the decision by the Government of Eritrea to ban all independent media outlets in the country, and the arrest and arbitrary detention of journalists and political activists; further notes that those prisoners of conscience include Aster Fissehatison and 10 others who had written an open letter to the President of Eritrea calling for democratic political dialogue, unity and the peaceful rule of law; notes reports by Amnesty International that the group has never been put on trial or charged with any offence and that no official word on its whereabouts or physical condition has ever been given to family members or friends; notes that the Committee to Protect Journalists has reported that least 11 journalists were arrested in the round-up, and several more were jailed the following month, estimating that 17 journalists remain in prison to this day, none of whom has been heard from since that time; welcomes the work of these campaign groups and members of the Eritrean community living outside Eritrea to raise awareness of these prisoners of conscience, including a new exhibition of photos and images which will be launched by Eritrea Focus to mark the anniversary; and calls on the Government to work with the international community to address ongoing abuses of human rights in Eritrea.

Sponsored by:
Patrick Grady (Scottish National Party)