The Media Freedoms Observatory in Yemen released its monthly report “Infographic” on the status of media freedoms and the arbitrary practices against journalists and media outlets, documented (16) cases during September 2024.
the violations recorded by the Observatory have varied one Death Sentence and four Arrests and ten interrogations and the prosecution of journalists over media activity.
the Observatory recorded five violations in the governorates of Sana ‘a and Taiz and Aden and
Hadhramaut and Dhamar .
Arrests and Death Sentences Threaten Media Future in Yemen
The Houthi group has resumed intensive campaigns against journalists and activists in its areas of control, launching widespread arrests of journalists and activists, including journalists Fouad Al-Nahari, Mohammed Al-Sahbani, Abdu Al-Madan, and Mohammed Al-Mayahi. These arrests were made due to their social media posts expressing views on the anniversary of the September 26 Revolution, which the Yemeni public considers a historic occasion marking liberation from Imamate rule.
Worsening the situation, the Specialized Criminal Court in Sana’a, controlled by the Houthi group, issued a death sentence by firing squad against journalist Taha Al-Maamari and ordered the confiscation of his assets, including his company, “Yemen Digital Media.”
Meanwhile, in Aden, under the control of the Yemeni government, which is expected to provide a safer environment for journalists, 10 journalists have been charged in serious cases and are considered fugitives in connection with the killing of Brigadier General Adnan Al-Hammadi, commander of the 35th Brigade in Taiz. These severe accusations raise significant concerns about media freedoms in Yemen. Merely mentioning certain individuals in their journalistic work or opinion pieces has exposed these journalists to legal risks. Even though the individuals involved did not regard those writings as offensive or personally threatening, nor did they file any complaints at that time.
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