SWEDEN
19 November 2024
Summary:
On November 19, 2024, the Swedish Prosecution Authority announced it would not launch a preliminary investigation into allegations of crimes against humanity committed by Eritrean officials in the case of Dawit Isaak. This decision coincided with Isaak being awarded the Edelstam Prize 2024 for his extraordinary courage in defending freedom of expression and human rights.
Reporters Without Borders (Reportrar utan gränser) expressed deep disappointment at the decision, highlighting that Isaak, a Swedish-Eritrean journalist, has been imprisoned without trial in Eritrea since 2001. The organization has submitted multiple complaints over the years, urging Swedish authorities to investigate the Eritrean leadership’s actions in relation to Isaak’s prolonged detention. Despite these efforts, the Prosecution Authority concluded that the lengthy duration of Isaak’s imprisonment did not provide sufficient grounds to justify opening a new investigation.
Links:
Link to article by Reporters Without Borders Sweden
