The news media landscape in Eritrea is one of the world's most restrictive, routinely ranking last or near-last in global press freedom indices. This environment is characterised by total governmental dominance, the complete absence of private media, and pervasive state control over information, following the permanent closure of all independent newspapers and radio stations in September 2001. While constitutional provisions may theoretically enshrine rights such as freedom of expression, these legal promises are universally ignored in practice. Censorship is absolute, and journalists deemed critical of the government face severe consequences, including arbitrary arrests and prolonged detentions. Many reporters arrested during the 2001 media shutdowns, such as Dawit Isaak, a Swedish-Eritrean journalist, have been held incommunicado for years without charge or trial, transforming Eritrea into one of the world’s largest prisons for journalists. Harassment and surveillance ensure that self-censorship becomes the primary mode of operation for the few individuals working within the state’s parameters.