The Marsadak (Yemeni Media Freedoms Observatory) has called for violations against journalists and media outlets in Yemen to be prioritized within transitional justice and peacebuilding efforts, stressing that ensuring justice for journalists is essential for societal reconciliation.
In its new policy paper, “In the Interest of Justice for Yemeni Journalists: Integrating Media Issues into Transitional Justice Processes”, as part of “Supporting Peace in Yemen through accountability, reconciliation, and knowledge sharing” Program, implemented by the SEMC in collaboration with the DT Institute, the Marsadak highlighted that since 2014, Yemen has witnessed over 2,600 violations against journalists, including 54 killings, 532 arbitrary arrests and detentions, 13 death sentences, as well as enforced disappearances, torture, and ill-treatment, making it one of the world’s most dangerous environments for media professionals.
The paper emphasizes that justice for journalists requires uncovering the truth, documenting violations through independent committees and a national memory archive, holding perpetrators accountable, and providing reparations, both financial and psychological, to victims and their families. It also calls for legal and institutional reforms to prevent recurrence, including the removal of criminal penalties restricting freedom of expression.
Key recommendations include the release of imprisoned journalists, clarification of the fate of forcibly disappeared individuals, continued monitoring and documentation by civil society, and sustained international support for independent media as a cornerstone of accountability and sustainable peace.
Hamdi Rassam, the paper’s author, stressed that addressing impunity is critical to enabling journalism to support transparency, accountability, and national reconciliation.
The Marsadak is an independent platform dedicated to monitoring, analyzing, and advocating for freedom of expression and journalists’ rights across Yemen.
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