LOC10:20
07:20 GMT
WASHINGTON, Jan 28 (KUNA) -- The US late Tuesday said it "welcomes" the news from the rights group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) that six journalists have been released from prison in Eritrea after being held for six years, but also called for swift changes to the system.
"We note with deep concern that the government continues to detain other journalists, reportedly as many as 17," State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki said in a statement.
Many were swept up in a wave of arrests that occurred in February 2009, RSF explained in a statement.
"The most dramatic event in the February 2009 wave of arrests was a raid on Radio Bana, a small radio station in the centre of the capital that broadcast educational programmes sponsored by the education ministry. All of its staff - about 50 journalists - were taken to Dobozito detention centre on the outskirts of the capital without any explanation being given."
Psaki called on Eritrea "to take immediate steps to release these additional detainees, all persons detained on the basis of their religious beliefs, members of the G-15, and all other political prisoners," she said.
The G-15 are an opposition group to Eritrean President Isaias Afewerki.
"The United States continues to urge that the Government of the State of Eritrea take comprehensive steps to respect human rights and avail its citizens of their fundamental freedoms," Psaki noted.
RSF ranks Eritrea at the bottom of its press freedom index, and has done so for seven years. (end)
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