Remembering Eritrean journalists and all those imprisoned for telling the truth
In collaboration with several departments and organizations at the University of California – UC Berkeley, we paid tribute to Eritrean journalists, among the longest-imprisoned in the world, as well as to many others globally who have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of truth and the defense of free expression.
This initiative sought to honor their courage and sacrifice — individuals who, despite persecution, imprisonment, or exile, continue to embody the essential values of truth, transparency, and democracy. Their work reminds us that journalism is not merely a profession, but a vital act of resistance and civic responsibility.
The collaboration with UC Berkeley holds deep symbolic meaning. The university is home to the historic Free Speech Movement of 1964, which helped shape the principles of press freedom and civil rights not only in the United States but across the world. This legacy resonates powerfully today, as freedom of expression and access to information remain under threat in many countries.
Special thanks go to Meron Semedar, whose tireless advocacy for Eritrean human rights and freedom of the press made this initiative possible.
The video, originally produced in 2022 and screened during the event, captures moments of reflection, solidarity, and artistic expression dedicated to these imprisoned journalists. The action has been repeated again this year, underscoring the ongoing urgency of keeping their stories alive.
Music credits: Temesghen Yared
Video editing: Aneta Felix, graduate student at Berkeley Journalism
