Haile is co-founder of the newspaper Keste Debena and an outspoken critic of the government. He has been detained incommunicado since 2001 as part of the government’s sweeping crackdown on print media following the September 11 attacks. Haile has reportedly suffered torture and harsh conditions, drawing serious concern for his health. Haile’s fate remains uncertain, with rumors about his condition circulating but no confirmation from the Eritrean government.