Media Freedoms Observatory Calls for Immediate Release of Journalist Al-Samadi

The Media Freedoms Observatory in Yemen express its full solidarity with journalist Majli Al-Samadi, who was arrested by Taiz police on Monday, August 19, and there are no clear reasons behind such arrest.

We demand the Governor of Taiz, Nabil Shaman, and the Director General of Taiz police, Brig. Mansour Al-Akhal, to immediately release journalist Majli Al-Samadi, who has been placed in Taiz Security Prison, and the police of Taiz has refused to disclose the reasons for his detention. This arrest constitutes a violation of local and international laws that protect freedom of the press and human rights.

The Media Freedoms Observatory in Yemen strongly condemns the illegal arresting of the journalist, considering it a severe violation of the provisions of the Press and Publication Law, as well as the Yemeni Criminal Law, which prohibits the detention of any person for more than 24 hours without proved charges. These acts reflect systematic repression targeting freedom of opinion and expression.

We also call on the Yemeni government to respect the rights of journalists, ensure their safety, and provide a secure environment for journalistic work, especially since journalist Majli has previously faced arbitrary practices by the Houthi group, including physical assaults, the closure of his radio station, and the theft of its equipment.

We reiterate our demand to the security authorities for the immediate release of journalist Majli Al-Samadi and to disclosing the reasons behind his arrest, or to refer him to the relevant judicial authorities if any charges, against him, are there.

We believe in the importance of press freedom as a fundamental human right and look forward to having journalistic work respected and guaranteed.