ABOUT SEYOUM
Seyoum Tsehaye is an Eritrean journalist and prisoner of conscience. Seyoum’s passion for democracy and human rights awoke during the civil war against the Ethiopian regime, where he took part as a war photographer. After Eritrea successfully defended their independence, Seyoum assisted in the founding of the first Eritrean state TV channel. There he worked for a few years, however conflicts with the leadership regarding his critical approach and democratic opinions led to him leaving to work as a freelance journalist.
Seyoum Tsehaye often wrote of the Eritrean regime’s lack of respect for the basic rights of it’s people. In 2001, 15 Eritrean politicians published an article condemning the actions of President Afewerki and his regime. At the same time, Seyoum wrote an article urging the Eritrean regime to communicate with the people and encourage peace and justice. The regime responded decisively. That same year, Seyoum Tsehaye, whose wife was expecting their second child, was imprisoned.