Marsadak Condemns Assault on Al-Hadath TV Correspondent in Taiz

The Marsadak (Yemeni Media Freedoms Observatory) has received a report from journalist Hael Saeed Al-Sharhi, the correspondent for Al-Hadath TV in Taiz Governorate, stating that he and his crew were subjected to verbal and physical assault by soldiers affiliated with the 22nd Mika Brigade. The incident occurred at dawn on Thursday, July 3, while they were covering the aftermath of a shelling that targeted a fuel station in the Hawdh Al-Ashraf area, east of Taiz city, which resulted in civilian casualties.

According to the report, the assault took place at Al-Thawra General Hospital, where the team was attacked, insulted, and had their mobile phones smashed. They were also forcibly prevented from documenting the aftermath of the bombing and filming the victims. This constitutes a blatant violation of press freedom and journalists’ rights and undermines the professional and humanitarian role the media plays in conveying the truth.

The Marsadak strongly condemns this blatant assault and affirms that such violations pose a serious threat to the journalistic environment in Taiz Governorate. They open the door to censorship and restrictions on independent reporting, particularly in conflict zones.

Marsadak holds the leadership of the Taiz Military Axis, the official body responsible for protecting Taiz governorate militarily,  the local authorities, and the security agencies fully responsible for what the Al-Hadath TV team endured. It calls for an immediate and transparent investigation into the incident, accountability for those involved, and guarantees that such attacks on media freedom will not be repeated.

The Marsadak also urges the security authorities in the governorate to ensure a safe environment that respects journalists’ rights to carry out their mission without fear or intimidation.