Rights Report Demands Immediate Release of Journalists Detained by Houthi and STC Militias
Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
The Yemeni Network for Rights and Freedoms stated that it observed World Press Freedom Day amid what it described as tragic conditions for journalists in Yemen. It noted that free speech has been turned into a “crime,” and journalistic work has become fraught with dangers ranging from arrest to death, resulting from what it called systematic violations practiced by the Houthi group.
In a statement, the Network said that this day—which is supposed to be an occasion to celebrate freedom of expression—comes to Yemen burdened by widespread violations. these include kidnapping, enforced disappearance, torture, and illegal trials against journalists as part of a policy aimed at silencing independent voices and imposing a unilateral media narrative.
The Network expressed its concern over the continued detention of several journalists in what it described as harsh conditions. It pointed out that nine journalists remain in Houthi detention, including Waheed al-Sufi, who has been forcibly disappeared since April 2015, and Nabil al-Saddawi, detained since October of the same year. Others include Waleed Ghalib, Vice Chairman of the Journalists’ Syndicate branch in Hudaidah, as well as Abdulaziz al-Nawm, Abduljabar Ziad, Hassan Ziad, Abdulmajeed al-Zaylai, and Assem Mohammed.
The Network also condemned the continued detention of journalist Naseh Shaker, who works for the legitimate government, since November 19, 2023, by elements affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council (STC), considering this a violation of law and human rights.
It emphasized that these practices—foremost among them enforced disappearance and arbitrary detention—represent a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and human rights. It warned that these may amount to crimes that do not fall under the statute of limitations, especially given what it described as the use of the judiciary as a tool for repression and the issuance of illegal sentences against journalists.
The Network held the Houthi group fully responsible for the safety of the journalists in its custody, as the de facto authority controlling large areas and practicing a systematic policy of targeting media professionals and silencing independent voices.
The Network demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all detained journalists, the disclosure of the fate of the forcibly disappeared, the release of journalist Naseh Shaker, and guarantees that violations against media professionals will not be repeated.
Furthermore, it called on the international community, the Human Rights Council, and Special Rapporteurs on freedom of expression to exert real pressure on the various parties in Yemen to stop violations against journalists, provide them with necessary protection, and ensure a safe environment for media work.
The Network concluded its statement by stressing that press freedom is a fundamental right that cannot be waived, warning that continued international silence toward these violations encourages further crimes against journalists.
