NPC Truth Tellers: Milkias M. Yohannes

Photo Credit: Milkias M. Yohannes, an Eritrean Journalist living in exile, speaks at the second edition of the Truth Tellers series at the National Press Club, 27 April, 2010. Mr. Yohannes described the dangers Eritrean journalists face at the hands of the country's government where there has been no press freedom since 1942. Photo: Noel St. John Milkias M. Yohannes, an Eritrean Journalist living in exile

Photo Credit: Milkias M. Yohannes, an Eritrean Journalist living in exile, speaks at the second edition of the Truth Tellers series at the National Press Club, 27 April, 2010. Mr. Yohannes talked about the 26 media professionals currently held in Eritrean prisons and gulags, saying the intention of the government is for these people to be forgotten. Photo: Noel St. John Milkias M. Yohannes, an Eritrean Journalist living in exile

Photo Credit: Exiled Eritrean Journalist, Milkias M. Yohannes, speaks at the second edition of the Truth Tellers series at the National Press Club, 27 April, 2010. Among the many journalists facing indefinite detentions, Yohannes was also arrested by Eritrean officials in 1999 and charged with defamation before escaping in September, 2001. Photo: Noel St. John Exiled Eritrean Journalist, Milkias M. Yohannes

Photo Credit: Exiled Eritrean Journalist, Milkias M. Yohannes, speaks at the second edition of the Truth Tellers series at the National Press Club, 27 April, 2010. Mr. Yohannes described how his assistant, Medhanie Haile, (pictured) was jailed and is now believed deceased as a result of illness and improper treatment during his incarceration. Photo: Noel St. John Exiled Eritrean Journalist, Milkias M. Yohannes

Photo Credit: Exiled Eritrean Journalist, Milkias M. Yohannes, speaks at the second edition of the Truth Tellers series at the National Press Club, 27 April, 2010. Mr. Yohannes faced critics in the audience who accused him of overstating the plight of Eritrean journalists, and responded by stating that in addition to the numerous media professionals living in exile that "2000 people escape every month from Eritrea ." Photo: Noel St. John Exiled Eritrean Journalist, Milkias M. Yohannes