Media and Human Rights Organizations Call for Disclosure of Preliminary Findings in the Investigation into the Killing of Journalist Mohammed Ayda
Media and human rights organizations on Sunday called on Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), the security authorities in Hadhramout Governorate, and the presidential committee assigned to investigate the case to disclose the preliminary findings and latest developments of the investigation into the killing of journalist Mohammed Ayda, and to ensure that all those responsible are brought before the judiciary.
The call was made in a joint letter addressed to the Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council, Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi; Vice Chairman of the PLC and Governor of Hadhramout, Salem Al-Khanbashi; and the members of the presidential investigation committee. The letter was signed by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the Yemeni Media Freedoms Observatory (Marsadak), and the National Organization of Yemeni Reporters SADA.
The organizations renewed their solidarity with Ayda’s family. Ayda, a correspondent for Al Arabiya and Al Hadath TV channels, was killed on June 24, 2026, in Hadhramout Governorate after his vehicle was targeted with an improvised explosive device (IED). They condemned the crime, stressing that attacks on journalists constitute an assault on press freedom and the public’s right to access information, while reinforcing a climate of impunity.
The organizations acknowledged that the measures taken by the Yemeni authorities, including the formation of an investigation committee and the arrest of all suspects, represent a positive step. However, they emphasized the need to complete a professional, independent, and transparent investigation capable of uncovering the full truth and holding accountable not only the perpetrators, but also those who planned, incited, and financed the attack.
They further noted that more than three weeks have passed since the killing, making it necessary to inform the public of the preliminary findings and progress of the investigation, to the extent that doing so does not compromise the course of justice. The organizations also called for all those implicated to be referred to the judiciary immediately upon completion of the legal procedures, for fair and transparent judicial proceedings, and for practical measures to strengthen the protection of journalists and media workers.
Prior to his assassination, Mohammed Ayda had reported to several official authorities that he was facing threats and surveillance. Approximately one month before his killing, he submitted a formal complaint to the security authorities in Hadhramout, warning that his life was in danger and requesting protection. He had also previously survived an attempted arrest by Houthi gunmen in November 2018 after they raided his home in Sana’a. Ayda managed to escape despite suffering multiple fractures, while his brother was assaulted and his journalistic equipment and archives were confiscated.
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