Marsadak: Condemns the Arrest of Journalist Awad Kashmim

The Media Freedoms Observatory in Yemen strongly condemns the arrest of journalist Awad Kashmim, head of the Freedoms Committee at the Yemeni Journalists’ Syndicate, by security authorities in Hadhramaut Governorate. This arbitrary detention constitutes a flagrant violation of national laws and international conventions that guarantee freedom of the press, opinion, and expression.

According to information received, by the Observatory, from colleagues of the detained journalist, a security unit affiliated with the Security Department in Huraidah District, eastern Hadhramaut, arrested Mr. Kashmim in a public street following days of pursuit, raids on his residence, and intimidation of his family. These actions are reportedly in retaliation for his journalistic activities and opinions expressed via social media.

The Observatory holds the security authorities in Hadhramaut fully responsible for Mr. Kashmim’s safety and well-being and demands his immediate and unconditional release. We also call for a transparent, independent investigation into the circumstances of his arrest and for all those involved in this violation to be held accountable.

We are particularly alarmed by reports indicating that security agencies are compiling lists of journalists and media activists with the intent of issuing arrest warrants against them. Such actions are a blatant attempt to legitimize repressive practices that run contrary to Yemeni law and international agreements protecting journalists and their right to free expression.

This is not the first time Mr. Kashmim has been targeted. In March 2018, he was arbitrarily detained for nearly a month and was forcibly removed from his position as Chairman of the Board of Directors at Bakathir Foundation for Press, Printing, and Publishing, an act emblematic of systematic targeting.

The Media Freedoms Observatory in Yemen reiterates that Hadhramaut Governorate, under government control, remains one of the most repressive regions in Yemen in terms of press freedom. Over the past decade, the Observatory has documented at least 88 violations in the governorate, including arrests, harassment, and other abuses targeting journalists, media workers, and activists.

We affirm our full legal and moral support for all journalists and declare our readiness to appoint legal counsel to represent and defend Mr. Kashmim and other persecuted journalists before judicial authorities.

The Observatory also calls on the international community, as well as regional and global human rights and press freedom organizations, to take urgent action in support of Awad Kashmim and all Yemeni journalists, to pressure for an end to ongoing violations, and to help create a safe and free environment for media professionals in Yemen.

Issued by Media Freedoms Observatory in Yemen

April 16, 2025.