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Eritrean Cartoonist Freed After 15 Years in Detention

3/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Biniam Solomon, an Eritrean cartoonist known as Cobra, was arrested in 2011.
He was held for 15 years without charges.
He gained fame for satirical cartoons addressing political issues.
His release follows reports that the Eritrean government freed other long-term detainees, though critics highlight a lack of transparency.
The UN has called for the release of approximately 10,000 individuals held without trial in Eritrea.

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Story summary

Biniam Solomon, an Eritrean cartoonist known as Cobra, was arrested in 2011.
He was held for 15 years without charges.
He gained fame for satirical cartoons addressing political issues.
His release follows reports that the Eritrean government freed other long-term detainees, though critics highlight a lack of transparency.
The UN has called for the release of approximately 10,000 individuals held without trial in Eritrea.