BRIEF NEWS

In commemoration of a dozen hero journalists languishing in the Eritrean jails as a result of independent press crackdown in Eritrea, many concerned Eritreans and representatives of MPs, MPPs, City Councilor, NDP, CJFE (Canadian Journalists For Free Expression), and PEN Canada gathered in a meeting on September 22, 2007 in Toronto.

The event, which also marked the inaugural ceremony of Qalna Human Rights Group in Toronto, took place at O.S.I.E 252 Bloor Steet West (University of Toronto St George Campus).

Rev. Semere Sibahtu, the chairperson of Qalna, opened the meeting with a presentation on the Qalna’s mission and objectives.

Mr. Aron Birhane of Mefitih Enterprise and former journalist with Setit, Mr. Michael Bocru, a former journalist with state owned media, and Ms. Sarah Habtemichael, a journalist and a sister of one of the jailed journalists, were the three keynote speakers. They delivered insightful presentations pertaining to the crackdown on the private and state media in Eritrea.

Words of solidarity were also delivered from the office of MP Peggy Nash, Amnesty International, MPP Paul Frera, PEN Canada, Human Rights Concern Eritrea, Eritrean Movement for Democracy and Human Rights-Sweden

Qalna has issued a press release, which was read in the meeting, in regards to the crack down on journalists in Eritrea. Qalna has stated its stand in an unequivocal tone that jailing journalists, political dissents, and various religious faith groups as a gross violation of the human rights on the part of the Eritrean Government.

Detailed coverage will follow shortly.