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The Role of Free Press in Democratic Process in Eritrea:
When the protector becomes a censor
The following paper was slated for the symposium
organized by Eritrean Global Solidarity
organization on the 20th of June 2009.  Due to
reasons which I don’t want to go in to detail and
beyond my control, (I am sure the smart reader will
know it by now,) it couldn’t be presented on time.
One of my favorite Palestinian journalists, Munir
Abu Rizek, said that the independent journalist is a
unique creature in that he is hated squarely by
many, even by those seemingly opposing groups,
including, strangely enough, by those who profess
for free press and liberal democracy. He gave an
example that after he launched an independent
paper, in two years time, most of his friends start running away from him; in four years, some of his blood
relatives start shunning him; and in six years his wife abandoned him! Yes the independent journalist has
very few friends and this is true almost in every nation and society. People naturally want to be admired,
loved, appreciated and exalted. No one wants to be criticized, reprimanded, judged or even commented
upon. 
It is sad to see those who advocate for free press and independent media to be its censors and suppressers. 
Barbaric regimes like those in Eritrea arrest, torture and kill heroic journalists all the time. Those pseudo-
democrats and wolves in sheepskin here in the western world, though they cannot arrest and outright
torture an independent journalist here, try  all kinds of means and methods to suppress, censor, throttle and
demoralize the autonomous journalist and his or her writings. The worst one, without a doubt, is
censorship, especially the art and technique of quasi, not overt kind of censorship and control of thought
and ideas. This kind of subtle censorship, though not overtly visible
and cannot be seen by the average person or reader, is painful and has a  devastating effect to the
independent thinker and journalist who thinks he lives in the free world and his nightmarish  days are gone.
 
Esteemed readers, before I present the full version of my paper, let me state briefly some of the highlight
and happy moments of the symposium (at least for me). There were wonderful papers and proposals
presented by various speakers. From the predatory nature of the current Eritrean leadership to the situation
of religious freedom in Eritrea, the symposium was full of rich and diversified speakers and ideas. It is
heartening to see Eritrean intellectuals of all walks of life and political affiliations sitting together and
discussing amicably (a rarity among Eritrean groups) the current and future destiny of the people and
nation of Eritrea. 
I was so pleased to see the forum recognizing and awarding the steadfast advocate of free press and uncle
(he is too young to be called a father) of independent media of Eritrea, the one and only Tesfaldet Alem
Meharenna or Tes as many of know him. The contribution made by Tes, to independent media and freedom
of speech and writing in Eritrea and Eritreans inside and in the Diaspora is an exceptional feat and will have
a very special chapter when the history of Eritrea and Eritrea’s struggle for democracy and emancipation
will be written. Tes’ Asmarino and all the great patriotic Eritrean websites and web related media forums are
beacon of hope and aspiration to millions of Eritreans all over the world. From refugees in their twenties in
the deserts of Libya to old fathers in their twenties in Australia and elsewhere, you are the torch bearers of
liberty, freedom and the coming peaceful Eritrea with sane leadership.  The other eminent Eritrean and
father of Eritrean constitution  and democratic struggle (Yes you are qualified to be a father) is the
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EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT
Update on the Famine Crisis in Eritrea: the
Landless and Beggars
As the result of the land
expropriation, endless
national service programs,
crop expropriation  and
restrictions of trade of food
and other items  as well as
the result of the impact of
last crop season’s drought, the Eritrean population has
been subjected to famine and hunger. Since my last
report the prices for grain has almost remained
constant because the government has to some degree
loosened the control over the movement and trading
of specific crop items such as sorghum in the past
months while still tight control is being imposed on
other food items such oil, wheat, wheat flour, sugar, etc.
The implication is the prices for some items such as
sugar, oil, pasta has increased by 30 to 40% since my
last report. But even so prices have been extremely high
for such a long time that for the population of Eritrea
with no income sources the main problem at this time
is more of lack of affordability. Even the rations that
were supplied through the so called “fair price shops”
have been slashed or are being distributed occasionally
– for example, oil is only being distributed occasionally.
The crisis of supply of energy is unresolved yet. Thus the
situation is so severe and with every passing day it is
getting extremely difficult for people to cope bye. And
it is further anticipated that the availability of food
crops will be reduced and prices will further rise up
because the government has again tightened the
control over the trade of food crops and other items
as per the 28th of April, 2009.  
Isaias - Reshuffles Some of His Ministers
(III) Eritrea, a Nation in Overall Crisis: Coping
Strategies in Hard Times
PFDJ arrests 45 hungry mothers
(II) Eritrea, a Nation in Crisis: Land Expropriation
ARTICLE
Sustaining a Nation
Whether we like it or not, the
Issayas regime is going to
sooner or later collapse
under the weight of its own
contradictions. The only
question is when and the
related question of whether
by then it will be too late to salvage the nation. The
sooner we get rid of the regime, the higher the chance
of salvaging the nation. Once the regime is removed
we can either overhaul the system and create a
democratic one that embraces diversity or we will
become a failed state. There really is no other option.
The regime cannot be reformed. It can only be
overthrown, and completely overhauled in which case
we will have a fighting chance of sustaining the nation.
A reformed version of the current regime will merely
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respected Doctor and Abonan and Ayanan is Doctor Bereket Habteslassie. I am not going to do a
disservice by numerating Doctor Bereket’s struggle, unfaltering fight for rule of law, constitutionalism and
free elections in Eritrea. It has its own golden place in future Eritrea’s history. 
The symposium also recognized a dedicated Eritrean struggle supporter and advocate, Doctor Tricia
Heppner known by many as Tirhas or Hatney Tirahas. Doctor Tricia and other foreigners and non Eritrean
like Mr. John Stauffer, a former peace crop volunteer and avid Eritrean democratic struggle supporter and
others deserve a special recognition and respect. It is not easy to be affiliated with strange, complex and
difficult causes like ours and thanks for standing with our small enigmatic nation. 
Papers presented by Doctor Assefaw, Doctor Habtu, Doctor Uqbay the Bostonian , beautiful poetry read by
Kiros Yohannes, Simon the Shimelba, Daniel of New York and others was touching and entertaining  at the
same time. I was glad to see Kiros Yohannes, member of Eritrean independent journalists in exile and his
beautiful book of poetry wich was launched at the symposium. I am also delighted to see long disappeared
faces of the free press like the brave journalist Tedros Mengistu , editor in chief of Selam news paper who
escaped all the dangers and imminent death in Eritrea, and Solomon Gebreyesus (the headache of PFDJ
AND NUEYS), another gallant  journalist. My special appreciation for all who come from far away places like
Canada and Europe and all the states of America. I am especially touched to see my university mates Haile
and the ever smiling and always happy member of Kestedemena news paper editorial board Yosief Aalazar
all the way from Toronto Canada. Greetings and peace be with you dear brothers and sisters and fellow
Eritrean compatriots and hope to see you in other venues and events.  Over all it was a wonderful
symposium and despite the chaotic and unorganized nature of the conference (I will have some thing to say
about this in coming papers), it was good and kudos to organizers, team members and the highly
dedicated  hard working humble members of Eritrean Youth Renaissance, EYR  DC chapter members. 
Now, Allow me to present my otherwise relegated paper and enjoy your reading.   
 
The story and experience of the private press in post-independent Eritrea is brief, sad and full of tragic
events and consequences. The entire free press has been shut, many journalists been incarcerated under
inhuman conditions, some have died and continue to die till this day and their exact whereabouts is
unknown as of this time. And there is no end in sight to this tragedy. Though the brutality of the current
Eritrean regime is not aimed solely at the free press and its main actors, without a doubt the press is the
prime victim of this henous criminal act against the Eritrean people by the PFDJ regime. 
Even with the usual dismal record of African governments towards the press, what is taking place in Eritrea is
a unique and disastrous experience. The ruthless actions against independent journalists and even
government media journalists by the regime of President Isaias Afewerki is unprecedented and hence the
name given by many as Africa’s North Korea. One by one Eritrean journalists and media personalities are
dying and disappearing from Eritrea. Eritrea and North Korea are the only two countries in this planet
without any kind of independent press or free news outlet services. Many agree that this trend will continue
as long as the Asmara regime is in power. Even as recently as a month ago, 4 prominent government
journalists were taken to unknown destination after a brief stint at the infamous Adi-Abeyto prison. 
The price paid by gallant Eritrean independent  press journalists and other media personalities in Eritrea and
their overall struggle for freedom of press and expression will be remembered by generations to come and I
am not going to discuss it all here. 
My main focus will be the role of free independent media in the overall democratic process and fight for
liberty and justice in Eritrea. 
As you know autonomous free media and the right to express freely are the main pillars of any healthy
democratic system in the world. In the democratic equation, there are three types of identities: the
politicians, the public, and the publication. The three elite ”P’s” of the democratic process which, through
their correlation with each other, make modern democracy unique compared to other political philosophies.
The relationship between the politician and the public, through the media and journalism particularly, is
distinctive in a democracy, and has a very special connection with the electoral process, which separates true
democracies from their imitations. Remember, even the U.S.S.R. had elections, but that certainly did not
make it a democracy. Liberated media is fundamentally crucial in genuine democratic societies because it
practices the theory of including the public in governmental affairs, and commemorates the democratic idea
that reality can only be relative and truth and facts are to be deemed authentic by individuals, not
administrators. 
In the complex, bitter, grueling and sometimes seemingly hopeless Eritrean political arena, the press’s and
free media’s role is unique and historical. The free press and the few lucky surviving journalists and the
media branch of the opposition group’s or parties are for the most part in exile. The main actors of free
press in Eritrea currently are the websites and web-based media such as radio, TV, video and the likes. Few
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speed up our descent into a failed state.
My celebration as an Eritrean-American
The Role of Free Press in Democratic Process in
Eritrea: When the protector becomes a censor
Mourning and Memory: A Secret
WHEN THE PROTECTOR BECOMES PREDATOR:
The Critical Challenge Facing Eritreans Today
INTERVIEW
Interview Seyoum Tesfaye : Eritrea’s Freedom
March
 Through the process we will
learn what our skill
deficiencies are and use the
lesson to reach out to
Eritreans, Eritrean Americans
and Eritrean Canadians with
talent and skills to join us if
possible or be generous enough to teach us how to
correct our shortcomings. We have a lot to learn and we
in the EGS are ready and willing to be good students.
Our people need everyone’s contribution. No one is
irrelevant. We all have a role to play. Our combined
effort will get us closer to positive resolution. The door
is wide open. Everyone concerned about the people of
Eritrea has an opportunity to make a difference. On June
19 we will make a modest effort to practice this. We will
say: It time for Change and network with other
concerned Eritreans to do a proactive diplomatic and
lobbying effort. We hope to expand the talent pull
dedicated for democratic transition. We hope to give
an alternative venue for our intellectuals to share their
view with the general population with the respect and
support they deserve. We hope to bring forward to the
leadership the dynamic youth that is has already paid its
due under the tyrannical regime.  We will give it our
best effort.
Interview Rezene G.Michael: Eritrea’s Freedom
March
EPP’s Woldeyesus Ammar attacks Isayas’s
military adventures.
Interview with Selam Kidane – Outspoken critic of
the Eritrean government
Q & A with Woldeyesus Amar head EPP
PRESS RELEASE
Together We Stand
We are writing to
congratulate you on the work
you are doing to bolster the
movement for justice and
democracy in Eritrea. As your
partners in the struggle we
are heartened by the
expertise with which you are planning your upcoming
events and are certain that this will inevitably have a
positive ripple effect in shaping the history of our
troubled nation. Indeed it is through such acts of
courage and principled diligence to do the right thing,
that we would begin to chip away at the entrenched
tyranny that has besieged our people for far too long. 
An Informative Symposium on Human Right
Crisis in Eritrea
Eritrea: Repression Creating Human Rights Crisis
SAVE THE DATE for JUNE 19, 2009
DEMONSTRATION
Save the date, June 19
NEWS
Tes Meharena Received an Award in D.C.
Tesfaldet A. Meharenna
owner of Asmarino .com
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newspapers, magazines and books are being published by émigré Eritrean all over the world. Mostly they
are doing a great job, taking into consideration the challenging life of being an expatriate; the monstrous
nature of the current Eritrean government and the overall below average political consciousness of many
Eritreans. 
But there are challenges and some impediments in this regard and I don’t want to pass these paramount
issues here. The main concern for me and many other Eritreans in this democratic endeavor is the issue of
censorship and limiting freedom of expression. Censorship or controlling of thought and idea is one of the
most dangerous forms of oppression a press can think of. Many think censorship emanates from tyrannical
regimes such as ours but censorship can come from democratic forces too and it can take many shapes and
forms.
The rationale for censorship is different for various types of information censored. There are all kinds of
censorships and excuses to censorship and I don’t want to go into detail here. There are universally accepted
censorships of disgusting obscene materials, of degrading nature, of matters relating to one’s faith and
culture and, in time of war, of certain sensitive materials. Besides these, censorship will serve no purpose,
except as a tool of totalitarian regimes and political parties and governments all over the world.
The majority of Eritrean web based press owners, resistance group media outlets and other publication
journalists are men of good standing with utmost desire for betterment of Eritrea and Eritreans. But some
times, and in some cases most of the times, they are participants in the act of censorship and knowingly or
unknowingly contribute to the stifling of not only the free press and media, but to the very idea of freedom
and democracy and liberty itself . Almost all opposition groups and resistance movements had enshrined the
notion of freedom of expression in their charters, constitutions, principles, etc. But in practice there are
problems and if the issue of censorship or self-censorship is not tackled at this stage, I am afraid it will be
ingrained in our political culture and thinking and the role of the free press will be severely limited and
curtailed in future democratic Eritrea. Freedom of the press doesn’t mean one has to agree with one’s idea
or one has to conform to one political party’s agenda or philosophy. Freedom of expression doesn’t mean
one’s writing has to please one webmaster’s tastes and feelings. Freedom of expression means the
unalienable right to agree or disagree, to support or to oppose, to express your feeling with out fear or any
kind of prejudice or harm. 
There are a lot of otherwise honorable Eritrean individuals and political factions of high caliber, but when it
comes to freedom of expression and freedom of ideas they get very low marks. If freedom of press or the
right to write, talk or discuss freely means conforming or agreeing all the times with one’s idea and principle,
then there is no need for free press and this is communism and fascism pure and simple. I remember arguing
with a certain political party webmaster about my article and his refusal to post it. His unintelligent
reasoning for not posting my article was, because my article didn’t mention political prisoners of his party in
Eritrea. Just like that!! There are a lot of similar instances and I don’t want to take your time and I am sure
you had had similar experiences. 
In conclusion, free independent press and the right to freely express your thought and idea are very
important part in the overall democratic process and struggle in Eritrea. Freedom  of expressing and free
press are unique and special kind of fighting tools which many fail to grasp, including many “democratic
forces”. The Eritrean democratic and freedom loving groups, parties, social a and political activists and
personalities should embrace, respect, and make use of the right of freedom of speech and the role of free
unfettered independent press and media. All those who advocate, strive, work and dream for democratic
Eritrea should realize that the first political litmus test is whether they are for freedom of speech and
expression. It is easy to point fingers and accuse others as tyrants, dictators, censors, etc, but we have to be
careful not to be meandering accomplices of barbaric, undemocratic lawless regimes and fascists in the
matter of press and the right of citizen’s unalienable, God-given privilege and birth right to think, write and
freely convey with others. 
 
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received an award in
recognition of his
outstanding achievement
and excellent services at the
recent Eritrean Global Solidarity symposium in
Washington D.C. When the award was presented by a
distinguished professor and one of Africa’s few
constitutional scholars, Dr Bereket Habteselassie, there
was jubilation and ululation from the audience and
everyone celebrated with tears, screams of joy and
finally they rocked the house with “Wesede Ayay
Wesed, Wesede Tes Beal Sere” The aura of jubilation
left Tes speechless, he tried to utter some words, he
looked around, up and down and no words; he was
totally over whelmed with joy.
Eritreans say “No” to Tyranny
Listen to ERENA Live
Erena: Radio Eritrea International to start 24 hour
broadcast on June 15, 2009
Is there an end to Eritrea’s President Assault on
South Sudan?
NEWS ANALYSIS
ERITREA’S DANGEROUS ‘IRAN AND AL-SHABAAB
CONNECTIONS’
ERITREA remains chokingly
gripped with the
misfortunes of tyranny,
hunger and despair. It was
no wonder, therefore, that
President Isayas Afewerki
has been noticeably busy trying to divert attention
away from the hot issues of human rights,
democracy and famine. Nothing could be more
diversionary than Isayas’s perceived actions in the
service of Iranian and Al-Shabaab’s designs to
undermine President Obama’s policies toward the
Horn of Africa.
In a statement, the interim Somali government last
week accused the Eritrean authorities of sending two
plane-loads of weapons to Somalia in violation of UN
arms embargo on that war-ravaged country. The Somali
government alleged that two planes from Eritrea
landed at an Al-Shababa controlled airstrip in Lower
Shebelle Region in Southern Somalia on April 28 and
May 1. Voice of America says the accusation is a repeat
of events in 2007, when the United Nations said Eritrea
was secretly sending arms and missiles to Al-Qaeda-
linked al-Shabab.  
Eritrea Media Watch
The Meeting of Lepers, Piracy in the Sea and
Arms Smuggling
Triangulating Bin Laden, Isaias and Sheikh
Ahmed
BLOOD MONEY
Sub-Sahara, Chalice merger to fund Eritrea
project
Sub-Sahara's Zara project
has an estimated 1 million
ounces of gold in the west
of the Red Sea state, where
international prospectors
expect large precious gold
and base metal finds.
"The proposed merger will
combine Chalice's strong cash position of over 10
million (Australian dollars) with Sub-Sahara's 69
percent interest in the high grade Zara Gold Joint
Venture in Eritrea, East Africa," the companies said.
EU seeds Eritrea’ dictators with blood money
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<
EDITORIAL
Announcement to Our Audience
We would like to apologize
to our readers and
contributing writers for the
few days of service
interruption in our website.  
The problem has been a
technical one, caused by numerous denial of service
attacks coordinated by those who feel threatened by
the service that Asmarino provides in enlightening and
emboldening our people to rise up against the brutal
rule of the Isaias regime. They have been hoping that
Asmarino wouldn’t come back, and the fact that it has
returned with more tools in its arsenal than before has
alarmed them and, consequently, they are doing
everything they can to shut it up. And this is not the first
time this has happened, and every time they have been
doing that, we have come out more determined than
ever to carry out our mission – a mission that will not
end until we see the last days of the Isaias regime. 
Eritrea: Focus on the Bigger Agenda
Letter from the Editor
Copyright © 2009 [Ai] Asmarino Independent. All Rights Reserved.
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