Sweden – Journalisten, June 23, 2025
Today, the political week in Visby begins. The fact that ordinary people on the street can speak directly with high-ranking politicians is a world-unique phenomenon. But two dream speakers are missing again this year: the Swedish journalists Dawit Isaak and Gui Minhai, writes Kurdo Baksi.
Today begins the annual political week at Almedalen in Visby. The fact that ordinary people can speak directly with top politicians is a phenomenon unique in the world.
For those who are Swedish politicians or influencers of any kind, it is probably taken for granted to be able to speak freely without any authority interfering, without risking imprisonment, torture, or death.
For me, Almedalen primarily symbolizes free speech, democracy, and freedom. For a Swede, these things may sound obvious, but they are not.
Without free speech and our constitution that protects freedom of expression, the Almedalen Week could not take place year after year.
Representatives from our parliamentary parties and interest organizations populate Almedalen for several days. Many discussions and seminars take place daily. The media search for news material, and representatives from different parties are cross-examined in our media. A representative from each party delivers live speeches on Almedalen’s famous stage.
It is gratifying that foreign correspondent Joakim Medin, who has now been released from a Turkish prison, is participating in several programs at Almedalen this year. But two dream speakers are still missing during the political week. Two speakers whom I and many others would very much like to listen to: the Swedish journalists Dawit Isaak and Gui Minhai.
No other Swedes have paid such a high price for free speech, freedom, democracy, and press and expression freedom as these two courageous people. No others would be as obvious on the Almedalen stage. Their struggle for free speech is the cornerstone of the political week.
Both Gui Minhai and Dawit Isaak are, in effect, kidnapped in China and Eritrea.
