More than 180 writers, including Nobel laureates Olga Tokarczuk and JM Coetzee, have renewed calls for proof of life from 12 Eritrean writers detained without trial since a 2001 crackdown on independent media. Organised by PEN International, the letter urges President Isaias Afwerki to provide verified information about their whereabouts, health and survival, highlighting the continuing suppression of free expression in Eritrea.

The detained writers include poet Amanuel Asrat and journalist and playwright Dawit Isaak, alongside 10 others. The letter, signed by 188 writers and dated to mark 25 years since the crackdown, describes the lack of information as unlawful and cruel; PEN International also launched a public petition earlier this year, saying families have endured an unbearable wait.