Yemen Monitor/Newsroom:
Socotra province has witnessed a new security escalation following the arrest of media activist Nawar Ahmed Shaaban, known as “Nawari.” This move has raised concerns among human rights advocates and local activists. Local human rights sources confirmed that the arrest came by direct order from Socotra Governor Raafat Al-Thaqali, reflecting a movement towards a security campaign that may include widespread arrests targeting media and political activists.
Sources clarified that the campaign comes against the backdrop of activists championing the case of a young man from Hudaidah who was killed, with the death attributed to forces linked to the Southern Transitional Council (STC). This incident has sparked political and security tensions in the province. The commander of the Special Forces, Mohammed Murshid, participated in Shaaban’s arrest, amidst indications of previous judicial rulings being used to justify these measures.
In a stern warning, Governor Al-Thaqali threatened media activists with imprisonment if they addressed the topic of Yemeni unity in their writings. This drew a wave of condemnation from the bloc of journalists, media professionals, and activists from the eastern provinces. The bloc issued an official statement describing Shaaban’s arbitrary detention as a blatant violation of freedom of expression and the press, and a breach of constitutional rights.
The statement held the STC and local authorities in Socotra fully responsible for the safety of the detained journalist, demanding his immediate and unconditional release. The statement also called on national, human rights, and media organizations to condemn these measures and confront attempts to suppress freedoms using state authority.
These developments reflect the escalating political and security tension in Socotra amidst growing concerns about the deterioration of human rights and freedom of expression in the province.
