Marsadak Warns Against Referring Yemen Shabab TV Channel to Security and Intelligence Agencies in Taiz

Marsadak (Yemeni Media Freedom Observatory) expresses its concern regarding a statement issued by the local authorities in Taiz governorate, which called on security and intelligence agencies, including the National Security, Political Security, and the Counter-Terrorism Unit,  to investigate the analytical report published by Yemen Shabab TV Channel and its website.

The Marsadak stresses that dealing with media content or potential professional errors falls, under Yemeni law, exclusively within the jurisdiction of the Press and Publications Prosecution. Security or intelligence bodies are not authorized to investigate media content or pursue press institutions, as such actions constitute a direct threat to press freedom and undermine the protections granted to journalistic work under the Yemeni Constitution, the Press and Publications Law, and international human-rights standards.

Marsadak also emphasizes that official entities have the right to respond to any information they deem inaccurate through clarification, the right of reply, or by filing a legal complaint, which are the appropriate mechanisms that ensure transparency and preserve the rights of all parties without compromising the independence of journalism.

At the same time, the Marsadak urges media outlets and journalists to uphold accuracy and objectivity in their reporting, in line with professional standards and journalistic ethics.

Marsadak (Yemeni Media Freedom Observatory) renews its call to all parties including government institutions and media institutions to respect freedom of expression and adhere to legal processes in addressing any professional disputes, in order to safeguard a safe and responsible media environment free from pressure or intimidation.