Marsadak Warns of Escalating Threats Against Journalists and Call for Urgent Protection for Journalist Mahmoud Al-Humaidi and His Family

The Yemeni Media Freedoms Observatory (Marsadak) warns of escalating and serious threats against journalist Mahmoud Al-Humaidi, a correspondent for Al Arabiya and Al Hadath TV in Marib Governorate. The threats have included direct death threats and threats of physical harm, as well as threats to kidnap his children, in retaliation for his journalistic work and coverage of ongoing military developments.

Marsadak received a report from journalist Al-Humaidi stating that he had received a threatening message from an unidentified individual suspected of being affiliated with the Houthi group. The message contained inciting language and direct accusations, describing him as a “mercenary of aggression”, a recurring form of incitement used against journalists. This raises serious concerns that the threats could escalate into actual attacks.

According to the journalist’s account, these threats are not the first of their kind. He previously received similar messages from the same number about a year ago, which forced him to change his phone number at the time. However, the same individual recently managed to obtain his new number and resumed the threats. This reflects a clear determination to pursue and target him and makes the threats particularly serious, requiring urgent security action to identify those responsible and take the necessary measures to protect him and his family members.

The danger posed by these threats extends to the journalist’s family and children, signaling the alarming use of family intimidation tactics to force journalists to stop carrying out their work. This constitutes a serious violation of the law and international standards concerning the protection of journalists.

This incident also brings back into focus the killing of journalist Mohammed Ayda, Al Arabiya TV correspondent in Hadramout, who had previously received threats before being killed in June 2026 in a bombing that targeted his vehicle. This underscores how ignoring previous threats can lead to catastrophic consequences.

Marsadak strongly condemns these threats and affirms that targeting journalists because of their work constitutes a direct attack on press freedom and society’s right to access information. It also contributes to a climate of impunity that encourages the continuation of violations.

Marsadak calls on the security authorities in the governorate to take urgent measures to provide protection for journalist Mahmoud Al-Humaidi and his family and to launch a serious investigation to identify the source of the threats. It further calls on the authorities to treat these threats with the utmost seriousness and not to underestimate their gravity, as they may indicate the potential for more serious crimes.

Marsadak also calls on all parties to refrain from any form of incitement or threats against journalists and to ensure a safe environment that enables them to carry out their work without fear or intimidation. And stresses that continued impunity for violations against journalists exacerbates the risks they face and requires serious action by the relevant authorities to ensure their protection and hold accountable anyone proven to be involved in threatening or targeting them.

To read the full statement, click here