‘We demand the truth’: Olga Tokarczuk and JM Coetzee lead calls for proof of life of disappeared Eritrean writers

Published 1w ago · Updated 1w ago

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Global literary figures are demanding answers for Eritrean writers who have vanished behind bars for a quarter-century.

Nobel laureates Olga Tokarczuk and JM Coetzee have joined more than 180 prominent international writers in signing an open letter demanding proof of life for 12 Eritrean authors detained incommunicado. Organised by PEN International, the letter coincides with the twenty-fifth anniversary of a sweeping government crackdown that systematically crushed the nation's independent press and free speech. Relatives of the imprisoned writers and war heroes have voiced ongoing anguish, highlighting that they still lack basic information on whether their loved ones remain alive.

Over 180 international authors signed the letter addressed to Eritrean president Isaias Afwerki.
The imprisoned writers have been held incommunicado since a government crackdown in 2001.
The coordinated appeal marks the silver jubilee of the suppression of Eritrea's independent press.
Signatories include renowned literary figures such as Colm Tóibín, Elif Shafak, and Isabel Allende.

By the numbers

180writers signing letter

12detained authors

Timeline

Sep 18PEN International released an open letter signed by over 180 writers demanding proof of life for detained authors.
Sep 19Family members and relatives highlighted the ongoing anguish of not knowing if their imprisoned parents and relatives are alive.

Why it matters

Eritrea has long faced severe international condemnation for its suppression of dissent, and the continued arbitrary detention of journalists and writers without trial remains a critical human rights concern.

What outlets agree on

Major international outlets agree that more than 180 writers signed a PEN International letter demanding information about 12 authors imprisoned in Eritrea since 2001.

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In this story

EritreaOlga TokarczukJM CoetzeePEN InternationalIsaias Afwerki

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