Yemeni Journalists’ Syndicate Condemns Arrest of Journalist Hammoud Haza’a and Demands His Immediate Release

Yemen Monitor/Newsroom:

The Yemeni Journalists’ Syndicate has expressed its deep concern over the recent developments regarding the arrest of journalist Hammoud Haza’a, especially after an unnamed security source justified the arrest by stating his affiliation with the army, without clarifying the charges against him.

The syndicate stated that this justification raises fears that the journalist is being targeted in an arbitrary manner to isolate and pressure him.

The syndicate mentioned that many journalists who lost their jobs due to the war and were displaced from Houthi-controlled areas to legitimate government-controlled areas were granted salaries by the army and given military numbers or honorary ranks as part of exceptional arrangements. However, the syndicate rejects exploiting these circumstances and using military procedures as a means to suppress freedom of expression.

The Journalists’ Syndicate called on the authorities to immediately reverse the arbitrary measures against Hammoud Haza’a and release him unconditionally. It also demanded a transparent investigation into all violations that accompanied his arrest, in order to preserve the fundamental rights and freedoms of journalists. The syndicate affirmed that freedom of opinion and expression is a red line that should not be crossed under any pretext.