The European Parliament is demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all prisoners of conscience in Eritrea, including EU citizen Dawit Isaak and other journalists imprisoned since September 2001.
A resolution adopted on Thursday 8 October on the human rights situation in the country (663 votes in favour, 19 against and 13 abstentions) singles out “the autocratic government”.
MEPs demand immediate information on the whereabouts and state of health of Dawit Isaak, a Swedish-Eritrean journalist who was imprisoned after publishing an open letter condemning the regime and calling on President Isaias Afwerki to adopt democratic reforms.
The Parliament is urging the Eritrean authorities to allow Mr Isaak access to representatives of the EU, Member States and Sweden, to determine his health care needs and any other necessary support.
The Parliament “condemns in the strongest possible terms the systematic, widespread and flagrant violations of human rights” and calls for an end to the detention of opponents, journalists, religious leaders and innocent civilians.
It urges the African Union to intensify its efforts to end the “unfortunate situation” in Eritrea and to cooperate with the EU to secure the release of Mr Isaak and other political prisoners.
MEPs also demand proof of life from the government for all those in prison. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)