Media laws at Eritrea
Eritrea is consistently ranked as one of the most repressive countries in the world when it comes to media freedom and freedom of expression. The government exercises complete control over all media, and independent journalism is virtually nonexistent. Below is a detailed overview of media laws and the media environment in Eritrea:
1. Constitutional and Legal Framework
a. Constitution (1997 – Never Implemented)
The 1997 Constitution of Eritrea includes Article 19, which theoretically guarantees freedom of expression and the press.
However, the Constitution has never been fully implemented, and in practice, no legal guarantees for press freedom are respected.
b. Press Proclamation No. 90/1996
This is the main media law in Eritrea and gives the government sweeping control over all media operations. Key features:
All media outlets must be licensed by the government.
Journalists must register with the Ministry of Information.
The government may ban publications or refuse to renew licenses without cause.
Offenses such as publishing false information, threatening national unity, or insulting government officials are criminalized.
Media content must align with national values and security interests, which effectively means state propaganda.
🏛️ 2. Regulatory Bodies
a. Ministry of Information
The Ministry of Information controls all media in Eritrea.
Headed by Yemane Gebremeskel, it acts as regulator, censor, and publisher.
No independent regulatory body exists.
📺 3. State Control of Media
Eritrea is the only country in Africa with no independent media outlets.
State-owned media include:
Eri-TV – the national television broadcaster.
Radio Dimtsi Hafash – government radio, broadcasting in multiple languages.
Haddas Eritrea – the main state-owned newspaper.
All content on these platforms:
Is tightly scripted by the government.
Promotes the policies and image of the ruling People’s Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ).
Censors any dissenting or independent viewpoints.
Private media:
All private media was shut down in September 2001 after a government crackdown.
At least 11 journalists were arrested during that time—some reportedly died in custody.
⚖️ 4. Criminalization of Journalism
Independent journalism is illegal.
Journalists can be arrested without warrant, held indefinitely without trial, and denied access to lawyers or family.
National Service conscripts are often forced to work in media positions under government control.
Defamation and the dissemination of “false information” can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment and forced labor.
🌐 5. Internet and Digital Media
Internet Penetration:
Extremely low: less than 10% of the population has internet access.
Internet cafés are monitored; no home broadband is available for most.
Censorship:
Social media and foreign websites are often blocked.
Online surveillance is common.
Citizens face arrest for content they post or share online, including from exile-run news platforms.
Foreign Media:
Access to foreign media is restricted or blocked.
Satellite TV and foreign newspapers are banned or filtered.
🧑💼 6. Journalist Safety and Repression
Dozens of journalists have been imprisoned without charge or trial—some for more than 20 years.
Eritrea is frequently labeled an “open-air prison” for journalists.
No independent journalist operates legally inside the country.
Families of journalists in exile may face retaliation.
📉 7. International Rankings and Criticism
| Organization | Ranking / Comment |
|---|---|
| Reporters Without Borders (RSF) | Last place (180/180) in Press Freedom Index (2024) |
| Freedom House | Rated "Not Free" for press freedom |
| Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) | Eritrea is among the worst jailers of journalists globally |
✅ Summary Table
| Category | Status |
|---|---|
| Freedom of expression | Severely restricted |
| Independent media | Completely banned |
| Private media ownership | Not allowed |
| Media licensing | Controlled by the state |
| Internet freedom | Heavily censored and monitored |
| Journalist protection | Nonexistent |
| Legal environment | Authoritarian, repressive |
📝 Final Thoughts
Eritrea represents one of the most closed and repressive media environments in the world. The legal system surrounding media serves the purpose of government control, propaganda dissemination, and elimination of dissent. For researchers, journalists, or human rights advocates, Eritrea is a textbook example of total media suppression under an authoritarian regime.
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