Biniam Solomon, now in his early 60s, was arrested in the capital, Asmara, in 2011 but was never tried. The reasons for his continued imprisonment were not made clear.
Known by his pen name Cobra, Biniam gained fame for his critical and witty cartoons tackling political and social issues.
The authorities have not said why he was set free but it is the latest in a string of similar releases. Nevertheless thousands remain in prison, incommunicado and without trial, in a country long criticised for alleged human rights abuses. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c70kg0x4xk5o
