Title: Swedish Writer Suggests Renaming Airport in Honor of Imprisoned Journalist Dawit Isaak
Subtitle: Kurdo Baksi proposes renaming Härryda airport in solidarity with Dawit Isaak’s fight for freedom of speech
Date: [Insert Date]
In a recent column in the industry magazine Journalisten, Swedish writer and debater Kurdo Baksi has put forward a new proposal for renaming a Swedish airport. Baksi suggests that the airport in Härryda should be renamed Dawit Isaak Airport, as a gesture of solidarity with the imprisoned journalist.
Dawit Isaak, a Swedish-Eritrean journalist, has been held without charge or trial in Eritrea since 2001. Despite having dual citizenship, Isaak continues to languish in prison, separated from his loved ones and deprived of his basic human rights.
Baksi’s column coincides with Isaak’s birthday, highlighting the painful reality that he will once again spend this special day alone and far away from his family. Baksi writes, “It physically hurts me to write once again that he cannot celebrate his birthday.”
Kurdo Baksi, who is known for his advocacy work on freedom of expression issues, emphasizes that fighting for Isaak’s freedom means fighting for the future freedom of all individuals. According to Baksi, Sweden’s lack of action in securing Isaak’s release reflects a failure to prioritize fundamental rights.
In addition to proposing the renaming of the airport, Baksi criticizes Gothenburg’s Trams for rejecting the idea of naming a tram after Dawit Isaak three years ago. Baksi argues that naming airports after prominent figures is common practice in other countries, citing examples such as John F. Kennedy Airport in the United States and Charles DeGaulle Airport in France.
Baksi believes that changing the name of Landvetter Airport to Dawit Isaak Airport would send a powerful international message to Eritrea, indicating that Sweden has not forgotten about Isaak’s plight. He suggests that Swedes should be reminded of Isaak’s unjust imprisonment and their own commitment to freedom of speech every time they travel through the airport or purchase a ticket.
When asked about the latest news about Isaak’s situation, Baksi reveals that there are no new signs of progress. However, he remains hopeful that Isaak will soon be reunited with his family. Baksi emphasizes the need for Sweden to increase its efforts in securing Isaak’s release, proposing that the king or the prime minister should demand to visit Isaak in prison or consider closing the Eritrean embassy in Sweden as a form of diplomatic pressure.
Renaming the airport in Härryda as Dawit Isaak Airport would not only honor the journalist’s unwavering commitment to freedom of expression but also serve as a symbol of solidarity and a reminder of the ongoing fight for human rights. This proposal highlights the importance of international support in advocating for the release of imprisoned journalists like Dawit Isaak and calls for greater efforts to protect and promote freedom of speech worldwide.