Malmöbon Bethlehem Isaak describes how every day for the past 18 years has been a struggle against the oppression of freedom of the press. Since 2001, her father, Dawit Isaak, has been detained in Eritrea without trial or any formal charge has been brought against him.
He was arrested after the newspaper he was a partner in published a call for democratic reforms in Eritrea.
- I am always worried about his health and how he is doing, says Bethlehem Isaak.
"We in the family keep the case alive"She has not heard from her father since 2005, but she is firmly convinced that he is still alive.
- We in the family are keeping the case alive and the Swedish authorities, especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are doing as best they can.
The feeling for the day of press freedom is sadness mixed with hope.
- We can see freedom of the press being restricted around the world where journalists are not allowed to do their job, even in Europe. It is important for a day like this to be seen and heard. I believe that this world can be much better at protecting freedom of the press, journalism and journalists. Without a strong free press, democracy does not work, it just works, says Bethlehem Isaak.