The report focuses on events that occurred between 1 July and the end of September 2022. During this period IFJ Yemeni affiliate has recorded 21 cases of violations against media or journalists including trials and interrogations (23,8%), detention (14,3%) and failure to implement verdicts (14,3%).
According to the report, the perpetrators of these violations are mostly the Houthi group (52%), the principal government’s opponents. Other attackers include the Yemeni government (19%) and the STC (Southern Transitional Council, a secessionist organisation in South Yemen) forces (19%).
YJS recalls that 10 journalists remain in detention, 9 still detained by the Houthi group in Sanaa, including four sentenced to death: Abdul-Khaleq Amran, Tawfiq Al-Mansoori, Akram Al-Walidi, and Harith Hamid. The IFJ has launched a campaign to release them.
Four others have disappeared: Waheed Al-Sufi, Younes Abdel Salam, Muhammad Ali Al-Junaid, Muhammad Al-Salahi since april 2015.
Journalist Ahmed Maher is still being held by Transitional Council forces in Aden.
Journalist Mohammad Qaid al-Muqari has been held by Al Qaeda since October 2015.
Concerning the three cases of detentions (Two kidnappings and one detention) especially, the Houthi group, the Yemeni government and the STC forces were responsible for one case each.
YJS says, “All detained journalists live in bad and harsh conditions and are denied the right to visits, medical treatment and care.”
The union also denounces the impunity; with the judicial system using its power to harass journalists.
In its report, YJS calls for the release of all journalists kidnapped, the end of attacks against unions, the investigation of all crimes against media professionals and an end to involving journalists in political conflicts.
IFJ Secretary General, Anthony Bellanger said “We are saddened to read this report from our affiliate about the unacceptable environment in which journalists and media professionals work in Yemen. We renew our call for the release of all detained colleagues, including those on death row. We further urge the Yemenite authorities to implement the recommendations in the YJS’ report”.
Join the IFJ campaign to release journalists on death row by signing this open letter and putting pressure on your governments.