The Legal Awareness and Tools for Holding Perpetrators Accountable session

Amid the increasing instances of journalists in Yemen being questioned and tried for their press pieces and coverage of issues through media outlets, including social media platforms, it has become essential to enhance legal awareness among these male and female journalists.

Due to their lack of knowledge about the laws and regulations governing journalistic work under the Press and Publications Law and the Yemeni Penal Code, journalists often face legal accountability. This highlights the need to clarify how to ensure accountability for those who violate their rights.

Human rights lawyer and advocate Omar Al-Hemiary reviewed various legal texts and guidelines that must be adhered to, along with the offenses punishable by law. He also highlighted common mistakes made by journalists, such as insulting public officials, defamation, incitement, and disturbing public safety and order. Al-Hemiary emphasized that abiding by these laws enables journalists to produce journalistic content that is both legally and professionally sound.

Al-Hemiary pointed out the importance of journalists ensuring accuracy and credibility in their news reports, and of relying on official sources to obtain statistics and data.

He also advised male and female journalists referring to reviewing the Press Law to protect themselves and their work, helping them avoid potential pitfalls. He emphasized the importance of being affiliated with a journalistic body, such as the Yemeni Journalists’ Syndicate.

Al-Hemiary provided a set of recommendations that journalists should adhere to while working, including the necessity of signing a contract with the entity they are working with to outline their rights and responsibilities. He emphasized the importance of exercising caution when dealing with sensitive content, verifying sources, and retaining supporting documents.

Additionally, he advised obtaining the necessary permits when filming or working in military areas or private facilities and avoiding the publication of details regarding security and military plans and movements.

Ihab Sallam, a legal expert and regional consultant specializing in media legislation and human rights, discussed concepts and legal accountability methods related to prosecuting perpetrators of violations and arbitrary practices faced by journalists. He emphasized that these practices violate both international and local laws concerning freedom of opinion, expression, and human rights.

Sallam explained that ‘perpetrators of violations act as though they are beyond oversight,’ attributing this to the absence of accountability mechanisms, which is a primary reason for the continued violations against journalists.

He pointed out that everyone is protected by the law, including journalists, but the lack of enforcement and adherence allows for the normalization of violations. Therefore, he emphasized the need for legal awareness and advocacy to enforce the law and hold accountable those who commit violations against the press and male and female journalists.

Sallam also urged all journalists who have experienced violations and arbitrary practices to document and record these incidents in detail, as this helps classify and describe them according to international laws.

International mechanisms for prosecuting perpetrators of violations are essential tools for journalists seeking to highlight human rights issues. These mechanisms include international treaties, the establishment of independent investigative committees, and international criminal trials, such as those held by the International Criminal Court, which aims to prosecute individuals responsible for crimes against humanity and war crimes.

Journalists can also benefit from these mechanisms by gathering evidence and testimonies and documenting violations, which contributes to strengthening efforts for accountability and justice. Additionally, they can foster collaboration with human rights organizations and international bodies to amplify the impact of their reports, ensuring that the voices of victims of violations are heard and seen on the international stage.

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