Rights Report: Houthis Pursue Remaining Journalists in Sana’a, Forcing Them into Displacement

Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:

A recent human rights report has revealed that the Houthi group continues to persecute and target journalists, writers, media professionals, and social media activists in the capital, Sana’a, through a series of systematic violations that have forced many to flee and abandon their work.

The report, issued by the Capital Media Center’s Monitoring and Documentation Unit and titled “Houthi Crimes Hunt Down the Last Remaining Journalists and Writers in Sana’a,” states that the group committed 33 violations against journalists and media workers during the first half of this year. These included unlawful trials, enforced disappearances, threats, and severe restrictions on freedom of expression and publication.

According to the report, the escalation in violations has led many journalists, writers, and activists to flee to areas controlled by the internationally recognized government. The increasing clampdown on writing and photography has also caused the shutdown of prominent media projects that once enriched the local media landscape.

The Monitoring Unit documented 13 cases of threats, blackmail, incitement, and defamation, in addition to 8 direct restrictions on media freedom and publishing. The Houthis also issued strict directives prohibiting the production of any visual content without prior authorization and imposed harsh restrictions on the appearance of women in advertisements and media content.

The report confirmed that this repressive environment forced four journalists to halt their media activities and leave Sana’a for cities like Taiz and Aden—or even outside the country. These individuals and their families reportedly faced continuous threats, with some forced to sell their belongings and flee the capital to escape persecution.

The report also highlighted the case of abducted journalist Mohammed Al-Mayahi, who remains imprisoned by the Houthis following a sham trial that sentenced him to one and a half years in prison, banned him from writing, and compelled him to pay large financial guarantees.

Furthermore, the report noted that the Houthis continue to deprive journalists and employees at state-run media outlets of half their salaries and entitlements—particularly those who refuse to follow the group’s directives or demonstrate loyalty—forcing many to abandon journalism and seek alternative livelihoods.

The report concluded by stating that Sana’a is now almost devoid of independent journalists and writers. Those who remain face threats to their lives, property, and dignity under the full control of a group designated on international terrorist lists.