Cartoonist freed after 15 years in prison without charge in Eritrea

Eritrean cartoonist Biniam Solomon, known as Cobra, was released from prison after 15 years of detention without charge. He was arrested in Asmara in 2011, and the reasons for his imprisonment were never made clear. Biniam gained prominence for his satirical cartoons addressing political and social issues, published in Eritrean newspapers during a brief period of private media flourishing after independence. The Eritrean government shut down the private press in September 2001, citing national security concerns, and imprisoned a number of journalists. During his detention, Biniam had no contact with his family and received limited medical treatment, spending the latter part of his imprisonment in Asmara's "crime investigation" prison. While the authorities have not stated the reason for his release, thousands remain imprisoned in Eritrea without trial.

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