A/HRC/23/53 overcrowding, disease, inadequate food and other harsh conditions are frequent, though no exact figures were available. D. Guilt by association 57. Family members are frequently punished for the conduct of another family member, especially in the case of draft evasion and desertion. In accordance with the policy of “guilt by association”, families may be fined Nakfa 50,000 ($3,333) for the evasion or desertion of a relative. Those who do not or cannot pay may have their property confiscated or be jailed, which adds to the already large number of arrests and cases of detention in Eritrea. E. Freedom of expression and opinion 58. Private and independent press or media houses are non-existent in Eritrea. The Government destroyed the private press in September 2001 and arrested 10 journalists, who remain in incommunicado detention. In 2011, the detention of four more journalists was reported; they are still in custody. Journalists do not question policies and their implementation for fear of reprisal, arrest, torture or detention without due process. 59. Since 2001, propaganda channels run by the Ministry of Information have been the only domestic source of news. The content and flow of information are closely controlled by government sources. According to a former Eritrean media employee, independent sources of information are forbidden and alternative voices silenced or threatened. The widely reported coup attempt that was staged on 21 January 2013 illustrates how access to information is tightly controlled. Accurate information on the event is still not available and the fate of those involved is unknown, apart from unconfirmed reports of extrajudicial killings and disappearances. 60. Internet access is limited, with a penetration below four per cent, primarily through cyber cafés in Asmara and other main towns. Users are closely monitored, and some were reportedly arrested in early 2011. Telephone services and the Internet are unavailable in rural areas. To obtain a mobile telephone number, an application must be forwarded to a government-appointed committee, which vets the applicant before a decision is reached. Young people are denied their own mobile telephone numbers. F. Freedom of association and assembly 61. While international law guarantees freedom of assembly and of association, 5 these are severely controlled in Eritrea. No political or civic organizations or independent nongovernmental organizations are permitted, except those affiliated to the authorities. The Government of Eritrea does not allow the formation of any political parties or private associations. This has made it extremely difficult for external human rights defenders to monitor the human rights situation in Eritrea. 62. In the case of public gatherings, the Government requires those assembling to obtain a permit. Public gatherings of more than seven people without a permit are prohibited. According to interviewees, critical questions or challenges to policies at Governmentconvened meetings may constitute grounds for arrest. 5 12 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, arts. 21 and 22.