167 Violations Against Journalists in Yemen During 2025 Including Killing, Arrest, and Raids
Yemen Monitor/ Newsroom:
The National Organization for Yemeni Journalists (“SADA”) launched its human rights report on the state of media freedoms in Yemen for the year 2025. The event was attended by journalists, media professionals, and human rights activists, aiming to highlight the violations faced by media workers and to call on authorities to provide effective protection.
The monitoring and documentation team recorded 167 violations against male and female journalists and media institutions during the past year, reflecting the magnitude of the challenges facing press freedom in Yemen.
Violations related to the misuse of the judiciary and existing laws topped the list with 37 recorded cases, followed by 31 cases of killings of workers in the media field.
The report also tracked 14 cases of arbitrary arrest, 14 cases of arbitrary detention, and 10 cases of enforced disappearance. This is in addition to 18 incidents of threats, 24 incidents of raids or storming of journalists’ homes and workplaces, as well as physical assaults, incitement, work bans, property destruction, and digital violations targeting media institutions directly.
Geographically, the capital, Sana’a—under Houthi control—recorded the highest number of violations at 56, followed by Taiz (30), Hudaydah (20), and then Marib and Aden (18 each).
The report pointed out that journalists in Yemen face increasing risks due to the continued armed conflict, political division, and the weakness of state institutions, which contributes to the worsening of violations and continued impunity.
In his commentary, SADA Media Director Rashid al-Mulaiki said, “The figures reflect a disturbing reality for press freedom in Yemen and emphasize the need to provide real protection for journalists and hold perpetrators of violations accountable to ensure a safe media environment that respects the society’s right to knowledge.”
For her part, the head of the legal team, Malak al-Hamati, confirmed that her team provides legal support to affected journalists and works on following up on cases related to press freedom, alongside enhancing legal awareness to protect media rights.
Additionally, the head of the Women Journalists Forum, Muna Abu Asbaa, reviewed the challenges facing female journalists in Yemen, emphasizing the forum’s keenness to empower them, enhance their professional presence, and defend their rights, while also highlighting the specific difficulties women face in the media field.
The event concluded with an open discussion during which organizers listened to the views and questions of journalists and activists, as well as proposals for enhancing journalist protection and improving the media work environment in the country.
