The Swedish government announced on Friday that Eritrean journalist Dawit Isaac, who has been imprisoned in Eritrea for 24 years without trial, is alive.

The news that the journalist, who has Swedish and Eritrean citizenship, is alive comes after the Swedish government visited Eritrea for the first time in 30 years and held talks with senior officials in the country, AFP reported.

Dawit Isaac, 61, was arrested by the Eritrean government in 2001 after he published an article in a newspaper calling for democratic change.

Dawit was among the nearly 20 senior ministers, members of parliament, and independent journalists arrested by the Eritrean government.

Journalist Dawit Isaac has not been charged in any way during his years in prison, and his family and any other party have been unable to provide information about his condition.

Asmara has not provided any information about the journalist's whereabouts or health during his years in prison.

In a statement issued on Friday, Bethlehem and Danait, the children of journalist Dawit, expressed hope following Steinergaard's visit.