Saleh Aljazeeri, Eri-TV
Medium:Television
Charge:No charge
Imprisoned:February 2002

Aljazeeri, a journalist for the Arabic desk of the state broadcaster Eri-TV, was arrested in February 2002 for unknown reasons, although local journalists now in exile said they suspected the arrest was linked to his work. The journalists said they believed he was being held in Carceli prison in Asmara.

The exact date of the arrest is unknown. Authorities have not disclosed Aljazeeri's health status, whereabouts, or any charges against him.

While the government's motivation in imprisoning journalists is unknown in most cases, CPJ research has found that state media journalists work in a climate of intimidation and absolute control. In this context of extreme repression, CPJ considers journalists attempting to escape the country or in contact with third parties abroad as struggling for press freedom.

Aljazeeri did not appear on CPJ's census of imprisoned journalists prior to 2014. His case came to the organization's attention as part of a fresh investigation in 2014 into the status of long-held prisoners in Eritrea. CPJ emailed the Eritrean Information Ministry in October 2016 to request an update in his case. The ministry did not respond.

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