Yemeni journalists have faced severe consequences for their media work, enduring intimidation and efforts to silence them amid the ongoing armed conflict that began in late 2014. Since mid-2024, these challenges have worsened, with increased repression and persecution. Journalists are frequently subjected to arbitrary detention, torture, intimidation, death threats, and judicial prosecution. This surge in targeting coincides with public incitement against them from media outlets affiliated with the warring parties.
Under the microscope of the warring parties
The direct targeting of journalists violates international humanitarian law, which seeks to protect those advocating for freedom of expression and justice. While there are local and international laws in place to safeguard journalists in Yemen, their enforcement is virtually nonexistent in an atmosphere of fear, chaos, and uncertainty. Journalists find themselves scrutinized by various warring parties and face stringent restrictions that hinder their ability to work freely.
The sensitive nature of their reporting—exposing corruption and human rights abuses—makes them prime targets for repression, including property confiscation and the closure of media offices. In a landscape rife with misinformation and war propaganda, the truth often becomes the first casualty, complicating the role of journalists during this critical time in Yemen’s history.
Yemeni journalists endure numerous violations, such as prolonged arbitrary detention, torture, and harassment. The looming threat of kidnapping, violent reprisals, assassination attempts, and fabricated espionage charges is particularly pronounced for those covering corruption or criticizing the violations of the warring parties.
The public sphere has also become increasingly hostile, with rising public incitement against journalists making the profession one of the most dangerous in Yemen. Amid this turmoil, the economic situation for journalists has worsened, with many facing unpaid salaries and deteriorating living conditions, affecting both their social standing and their ability to produce journalistic work effectively.
Escalating violations
The Yemeni Journalists Syndicate reported 30 serious violations of media freedoms in the third quarter of 2024, with the Houthi group responsible for over 70% of these incidents. The internationally recognized government and its allies accounted for 9 violations, or 30%.
The situation for journalists in Yemen is dire. The dangers they face are increasingly evident, as they endure intense surveillance from warring parties and face severe repercussions for their media activities, both professionally and on social media. Despite these threats, their commitment to uncovering the truth remains steadfast. However, the ongoing targeting and persecution of journalists undermine media freedom and threaten the very foundation of civil society.
In areas controlled by the Iran-backed Houthi group (Ansar Allah), arbitrary detentions of journalists and social media activists have surged, compounded by additional restrictions from security agencies like the Security and Intelligence Service, further hindering their ability to operate freely.
The Houthi group has launched a campaign of unjustified detention targeting several individuals, including journalists who commemorated the anniversary of the September 26, 1962 revolution. Reports from September indicated the kidnapping of journalists Abdo Masoud Al-Madani in Sana'a and Mohammed Al-Sahbani in Taiz, Others detained include media activist Sahar Al-Khawlani and journalists Mohammed Dabwan Al-Mayahy, Fouad Al-Nahari, Abdul Rahman Al-Baidhani, Mohammed Al-Yafaai, Ali Al-Sarimi, Ahmed Al-Oshari, Abdul Wahab Al-Harassi, and Saad Al-Haimi, all targeted due to their social media activity and held under poor and arbitrary conditions. while journalist Fahd Al-Arhabi has been arbitrarily detained since August 21 in Ammran governorate.
In a troubling development in areas controlled by the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council forces, the SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties revealed that in early October, the Specialized Criminal Court in Aden classified seven journalists and human rights activists as fugitives on fabricated charges of criminal involvement. in the past time, the Specialized Criminal Court in Aden sentenced also journalist Ahmed Maher to lengthy prison terms under questionable conditions, prompting calls for independent investigations from organizations like Reporters Without Borders.
In October, journalist Mohammed Al-Yazidi was arrested in Aden on the orders of Presidential Leadership Council member Faraj Al-Bahsani due to past social media posts made during his tenure as governor of Hadramaut. Similarly, the Ministry of Interior of the internationally recognized government ordered the arrest of journalist Sabri Bin Makhashin. Furthermore, journalist Saleh Al-Obaidi was detained by gunmen from the Aden Security Department, and journalist Fahmi Al-Alimi continues to face arbitrary detention by the Security Belt Forces. These arbitrary arrests in Aden underscore the prevailing climate of tension, while journalist Majli Al-Samadi was also arbitrarily detained in Taiz but has since been released.
The situation for journalists in Yemen is dire. The dangers they face are increasingly evident, as they endure intense surveillance from warring parties and face severe repercussions for their media activities, both professionally and on social media. Despite these threats, their commitment to uncovering the truth remains steadfast. However, the ongoing targeting and persecution of journalists undermine media freedom and threaten the very foundation of civil society.
This systematic repression violates both international humanitarian law and Yemeni laws designed to protect journalists. In a climate where misinformation prevails, the role of journalists is more crucial than ever. They are essential in holding authorities accountable and amplifying the voices of the marginalized.
It is vital for the international community to take decisive action, safeguard journalists' safety, uphold their rights, and advocate for their immediate release. Only through collective efforts can we hope to restore press freedom in Yemen and protect those who courageously seek to tell the truth amidst ongoing conflict.
