Eritrea remains a difficult country from which to retrieve information as journalists are often prosecuted under state security laws (AFP)
The East African Journalists Association (EFJA) has called on the international community to step up pressure on the Eritrean government to release detained journalists and to support all exiled Eritrean journalists working from other countries. EFJA Chairman William Janak, who also represents the International Journalists Association in East Africa, has welcomed the UN move last week to appoint three experts as members of the new UN Commission of Inquiry on Eritrea. Janak believes the “Commission’s report will form an important basis for further action to help the press and human rights situation in that country.” Experts are doubtful whether the Eritrean government will cooperate with the UN Commission of Inquiry allowing investigation into reported human rights abuses in the country. It has repeatedly denied entry permit to UN Special Rapporteur Sheila B. Keetharuth who is now a member of the commission. Banning free press
