CJFE Hosts Live Chat with Exiled Eritrean Journalist Aaron Berhane

TORONTO, Nov. 18, 2013 /CNW/ - Fearing for his life and on the run from his government, journalist Aaron Berhane fled his home country of Eritrea. The paper he co-founded, Setit, had published an article critical of the country's government — a dangerous act in Eritrea, a country widely considered to be the most heavily censored in the world. Berhane eventually found asylum in Toronto, but many of his colleagues were arrested and sent to Eiraeiro, a notoriously brutal prison. Four have been confirmed dead, and six others haven't been heard from since.

Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) will be holding a live chat with Berhane on November 19, from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Hosted online, The sting of impunity: A live chat with exiled journalist Aaron Berhane, will allow participants to engage with Berhane as he is interviewed by investigative journalist Susan McClelland, and takes questions from the audience about his firsthand experience with the perils that he faced in Eritrea and his continued pursuit of free expression.

Join the event at CJFE.org from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. EST. Live syndication is also available on request and at no cost.

This event is being held as a part of IFEX's campaign for the International Day to End Impunity, November 23. Each year, journalists are harassed, threatened, tortured, intimidated, jailed and worse for exercising their basic human right to free expression. In the past 10 years, more than 500 journalists have been killed. In many countries around the world, this happens with impunity. The perpetrators of these crimes go free, creating a climate of insecurity where people are afraid to speak out. In a culture of impunity, criticism is stifled, the powerful aren't challenged and free expression is ultimately silenced.

About Canadian Journalists for Free Expression
CJFE monitors, defends and reports on free expression and access to information in Canada and abroad. Rooted in the field of journalism, we promote a free media as essential to a fair and open society. CJFE boldly champions the free expression rights of all people, and encourages and supports individuals and groups in the protection of their own and others' free expression rights.

Follow the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #CJFElive.

About the International Day to End Impunity
The International Day to End Impunity takes place on 23 November. It is a day dedicated to a call to action to demand justice for those who have been targeted for exercising their right to freedom of expression, and to shed light on the issue of impunity.

Follow the campaign on Twitter using the hashtag #IDEI.

Event details: http://cjfe.org/impunity2013

Take action as part of the International Campaign to End Impunity: http://daytoendimpunity.org/

SOURCE: Canadian Journalists for Free Expression

For syndication and interview requests please contact:

Tom Henheffer
CJFE Executive Director
416-515-9622 x.226
[email protected]

Alexandra Zakreski
International Programs Assistant
416-515-9622 x.262
[email protected]