Since the outbreak of armed conflict in Yemen in 2014, shortly before and after the Houthis (Ansar Allah) took control of the Yemeni capital, Sana’a, press freedom has endured one of its darkest chapters. Practicing journalism has become an activity fraught with immense risks, particularly for those engaged in professional reporting or for those whose opinions critique or oppose the agendas of de facto authorities in various regions of Yemen.
The year 2024 was no exception, as the country witnessed a series of violations targeting male and female journalists and media institutions. The Media Freedom Observatory in Yemen documented 98 cases of violations, ranging from suppression and intimidation to unfair trials and executions, in blatant disregard of both national and international laws.
While many Yemeni journalists remain forcibly disappeared or detained in Sana’a and Aden, violations continued through various methods, including leveraging influence over judicial bodies to suppress freedom of expression and target free press and courageous voices.
To curb these illegal practices against media freedoms, the Media Freedom Observatory in Yemen, affiliated with the Studies and Economic Media Center (SEMC), has continued its professional role in monitoring and documenting these violations. It has also adopted a proactive stance in defending journalists by providing legal assistance, appointing specialized lawyers to represent them before prosecutors and courts.
In parallel, the Observatory has offered psychological and digital support to help male and female journalists face the daily challenges impeding their work. In 2024, the Observatory conducted an in-depth analysis of the cases of several journalists who suffered severe violations, aiming to shed light on the legal and procedural flaws negatively impacting media freedom.
As it publishes its annual report for 2024, the Observatory firmly believes that protecting journalists is not merely a local issue but a collective humanitarian responsibility. From this perspective, the Observatory calls on the international community and human rights organizations to intensify efforts to ensure that the perpetrators of these crimes do not escape justice and are held accountable under international legal standards.
While the Observatory continues to champion the rights of Yemeni journalists, it reaffirms its unwavering commitment to advocating for freedom of expression, urging all relevant parties to join forces to ensure a safe media environment where journalists’ dignity and rights are respected.
The fight against oppression is not just about safeguarding individuals but is part of the broader struggle to uphold the right to expression and transparency, which form the cornerstone of free and thriving societies.
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