The Yemeni Media Freedoms Observatory (Marsadak) expresses its deep concern over the disappearance of journalist Hamoud Hazza, who has been missing since the evening of Saturday, 27 June 2026, following his attendance at the “National Alignment” event in Marib. According to eyewitnesses, he was taken away from the event venue, and since then his whereabouts and fate have remained unknown. No official authority has acknowledged responsibility for his detention or clarified the legal basis for any action taken against him, raising serious concerns about his safety.
The Marsadak emphasizes that any allegations of wrongdoing or criminal conduct must be addressed through the legal procedures established under applicable legislation, including summons and investigation in accordance with due process guarantees, rather than through unlawful detention or enforced disappearance. Such practices constitute violations of constitutional rights and undermine the rule of law.
The Marsadak holds the security authorities in Marib Governorate responsible for immediately disclosing the fate and whereabouts of journalist Hamoud Hazza, ensuring his safety, publicly confirming his place of detention, allowing his family and lawyer to communicate with him, and releasing him immediately unless there are publicly announced legal proceedings based on a judicial order and conducted in accordance with the guarantees provided by law.
The Marsadak notes that this is not the first-time journalist Hamoud Hazza has been subjected to violations. In August of last year, he was arbitrarily arrested and forcibly disappeared after a security force raided his home, terrorized his family, and confiscated his belongings. He was held in enforced disappearance for an entire day before being transferred to the Military Police prison, where he was released three days later. Marsadak further stresses that the continued use of arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance against journalists has a detrimental impact on press freedom, fosters an environment of fear and self-censorship, and undermines journalists’ ability to carry out their professional duties freely and independently, in violation of both national obligations and international standards.
Marsadak renews its call on all authorities in Yemen to respect press freedom, ensure the protection of journalists from violations and arbitrary measures, and hold those responsible accountable, thereby strengthening the rule of law and safeguarding the right to freedom of expression.
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