Betlehem Isaak, the daughter of imprisoned Eritrean-Swedish journalist and author Dawit Isaak, believes that the riots in Järva are a result of the long-term oppression by the Eritrean regime. The riots occurred during a festival in support of the Eritrean regime. Betlehem Isaak did not participate in the demonstration but supports the organization that organized it. She emphasizes that she does not advocate violence but believes it is important to understand the reasons behind the tumult. According to Betlehem Isaak, many of the participants in the demonstration are newly arrived in Sweden and have witnessed the regime’s oppression firsthand. The organization has repeatedly urged Järva Folkets Park, which manages the property where the festival took place, not to allow the event to be held there. New demonstrations against the festival were planned, but the police revoked the permit due to the risk of further disturbances. The festival will continue as planned until Sunday, which Betlehem Isaak criticizes and argues that it should be canceled. The Festival Eritrea Scandinavia has been held since the 1990s and has been criticized for serving the Eritrean regime’s interests. It has also been reported that the regime earns millions of kronor from the festival. Eritrea, led by Isaias Afwerki, is essentially a one-party state and one of the world’s harshest dictatorships.
