Dave Simpson
Friday May 26, 2006

Originally posted on  The Guardian

The next time an over-indulged rock star whines about "suffering for their art", spare a thought for Helen Berhane. The 30-year-old Eritrean singer has spent most of the past two years locked inside a shipping container.

Prisoner of conscience ...   more »

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL Public Statement AI Index: AFR 64/004/2006 (Public) News Service No: 130 24 May 2006 Embargo Date: 24 May 2006 00:01 GMT Eritrea: Independence Day call for a year of urgent human rights improvements   more »

In honor of Worldwide Press Freedom Day on Wednesday, May 3, AI chapters throughout the Southeast have "adopted" Yohannes and are trying to raise awareness about his plight, which was perhaps drowned out by the events of Sept. 11. Emily Grenesko, who serves as a "prisoner of conscience coordinator" for a local AI chapter that meets downtown, is hoping that people throughout the Lowcountry....   more »

As proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993, this day is designated as World Press Freedom Day and its aim is to remind us all - governments, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations as well as civil society – of the crucial role a free press plays in strengthening democracies and fostering development around the world. On this occasion, we, in the EMDHR, would like to bring forward the consistent suppression of freedom of expression and press in Eritrea.   more »