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 (6) cases during April 2024.
the violations recorded by the Observatory have varied one arrest and Detention and Threats and two interrogations and the prosecution of journalists over media activity.
the Observatory recorded six violations in the governorates of Sana ‘a and Taiz and Aden and Marib .
The report pointed out the parties committed such violations, are the Yemeni government 4 cases, the Houthi group committed one case. and others were carried out by unknown individuals.
Armed forces affiliated with the Houthi group raided the home of journalist Khaled al-Arasi in Sana’a, taking him to an unknown location and terrorizing his family and children.
Information gathered by the Media Freedom Observatory suggests this action is linked to al-Arasi’s recent reporting on the trade of banned and toxic agricultural pesticides.
Over the past few days, al-Arasi led a widespread media campaign, writing several articles, including “Stop Killing Us with Pesticides: A Genocide,” in which he warned of the dangers of importing toxic pesticides.
The Media Freedom Observatory demands that the Houthi group end its repressive approach of arresting and forcibly disappearing journalists and media activists, and stop terrorizing their families. The group should instead investigate the issue of the trade and import of agricultural pesticides and punish those involved if the allegations are proven true, considering the deadly risk they pose. It is unacceptable to launch a campaign of threats and arrests against those who raise concerns about this issue.
The Houthi group is known for being the most fragrant violator of freedom of opinion and expression through its repressive and hostile acts against journalists disagreeing with it. This has resulted in its areas of control being devoid of all independent, private, and partisan media outlets.
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