Nobel laureates Olga Tokarczuk and J.M. Coetzee are among more than 180 writers who have signed an open letter to Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, demanding proof of life for 12 Eritrean authors arrested in 2001. The letter, organized by PEN International and dated September 18, marks 25 years since a severe government crackdown on the independent press in Eritrea.

The crackdown, which occurred within days, "systematically crushed" Eritrea's free press and independent voices, the letter states. It specifically names 12 writers who have been held incommunicado since their detention in 2001, including the poet Amanuel Asrat and the playwright and journalist Dawit Isaak. The signatories emphasize that the families of these writers, the Eritrean people, and the global literary community have been met with "a painful and unlawful silence."

The statement argues that withholding information about the health, location, and survival of the detained writers constitutes a violation of international law and an act of cruelty. In addition to Asrat and Isaak, the letter identifies Dawit Habtemichael, Fessehaye “Joshua” Yohannes, Mattewos Habteab, Medhanie Haile, Sahle “Wedi-ltay” Tsegazeab, Said Abdelkadir, Said Idris “Abu Are”, Seyoum Tsehaye, Temesgen Ghebreyesus, and Yousif Mohammed Ali as the individuals detained. Six of these writers were previously profiled by The Guardian in 2015.

The collective appeal, signed by 188 writers in total, calls for "immediate, verified proof of life" for the imprisoned authors. It urges the Eritrean government to provide information regarding their well-being and whereabouts, highlighting the prolonged period of their disappearance and the lack of any communication or updates.

The detention of these writers is part of a broader pattern of suppression of dissent in Eritrea under President Afwerki's rule. Since gaining independence in 1993, Eritrea has been described by human rights organizations as one of the most repressive states globally, with widespread reports of arbitrary arrests, torture, and severe restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly, and religion. The 2001 crackdown was particularly significant, leading to the closure of all independent media outlets and the imprisonment of numerous journalists and political opponents.

PEN International, a non-governmental organization that campaigns for writers and freedom of expression, has been at the forefront of efforts to draw international attention to the plight of the Eritrean writers. The organization has consistently called for the release of detained journalists and writers worldwide and has documented numerous cases of censorship and persecution.

Prominent signatories alongside Tokarczuk and Coetzee include Colm Tóibín, Elif Shafak, Isabel Allende, Ben Okri, Yann Martel, Kamila Shamsie, and Tsitsi Dangarembga. Their participation underscores the global concern within the literary and human rights communities regarding the fate of the Eritrean authors and the state of press freedom in the country.

Questions remain about the current status and condition of the 12 writers. The lack of verifiable information fuels ongoing concern and underscores the urgency of the demand for proof of life. The letter serves as a renewed call to the international community to exert pressure on the Eritrean government to provide transparency and account for the disappeared writers.