The Marsadak (Yemeni Media Freedom Observatory), affiliated with the Studies and Economic Media Center (SEMC), announced today the winners of 2025 Courage in Journalism Award. Journalists Fahd Al-Arhabi and Abdulrahman Anis were jointly awarded the Award during a virtual ceremony held via Zoom, with the participation of journalists from across various Yemeni governorates.
The Marsadak also awarded the Journalism Courage Medal to killed photojournalist Nabil Al-Quaeti and the late woman photojournalist Rasha Al-Harazi, in recognition of their professional contributions and tremendous sacrifices.
The announcement was made during a virtual ceremony attended by a number of journalists from inside and outside Yemen.
Mustafa Nasr, Chairman of the SEMC, stated that the Award reflects appreciation for the courage of journalists who continue to report the truth despite the risks. He stressed that independent professional journalism is essential for protecting the right to information and building a democratic society. He added that this recognition aims to raise awareness of the role of free media, advocate for ending violations and impunity, and ensure a safe environment for journalistic work in Yemen.
The judging Panel consisted of seven experts in journalism and human rights: Hussein Basalim, Hamdi Albokari, Khaled Al-Hammadi, Sonia Al-Marisi, Mohammed Mandour, Nabil Al-Asidi, and Huda Al-Sarari. The Panel based its decision on three key criteria: professional ethics, courage in the face of risk, and journalistic impact in uncovering facts or addressing sensitive issues.
A total of 46 journalists applied for the Award this year, including 10 female journalists, through direct applications or nominations submitted by colleagues.
In his remarks during the ceremony, Award co-winner journalist Abdulrahman Anis said: “This recognition is a responsibility before it is an honor. Courage is not confrontation or theatrics, but a constant commitment to professional standards, the law, and the public’s right to the truth.”
Journalist Mahmoud Al-Atmi, husband of the late woman journalist Rasha Al-Harazi, added: “This medal does not honor Rasha alone; it restores dignity to everyone who gave their life for the truth. Justice will not be fulfilled without accountability and redress for the victims.”
Background on the Awardees
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Fahd Al-Arhabi has faced multiple violations, including threats, arrest, and dismissal from his job due to his investigative reporting and criticism of corruption and land-grabbing linked to the Amran Cement Factory under the control of the Houthi group.
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Abdulrahman Anis has been subjected to pressure campaigns and trial proceedings over articles addressing corruption and living conditions. His case is still pending before the Press and Publications Prosecution in Aden.
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Nabil Al-Quaeti was assassinated in Aden in June 2020. He was one of the most prominent photojournalists working with international media outlets and was widely regarded as a key documenter of the Yemeni conflict through his lens.
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Rasha Al-Harazi was killed along with her unborn child in November 2021 when an explosive device targeted her car while she was on her way to the hospital. It was one of the most horrific crimes committed against female journalists in Yemen during the war.
About the Courage in Journalism Award
The Courage in Journalism Award in Yemen is an annual recognition granted to journalists who demonstrate exceptional professional bravery, high ethical integrity, and unwavering commitment to the values of free journalism despite risks and restrictions.
The Award honors those who continue their media mission with resilience, work to expose violations, and defend public interest, affirming that journalistic courage is not only about confronting threats, but about steadfast devotion to truth amid misinformation and repression.
The Award was launched in 2024 and adopted by the Marsadak (Yemeni Media Freedom Observatory) as an annual Award presented each December, serving as a platform to highlight inspiring examples of responsible and courageous journalism in Yemen.
About the Marsadak (Yemeni Media Freedom Observatory)
The Marsadak (Yemeni Media Freedom Observatory) is an initiative of the Studies and Economic Media Center (SEMC) dedicated to monitoring and documenting violations against journalists and media outlets in Yemen. It also provides legal, psychological, and digital support to targeted journalists, in addition to promoting freedom of expression and professional journalistic practice.
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