Marsadak Demands Immediate Release of Journalist Fahmi Al-Alimi
Aden, Yemen – July 20, 2024
The Media Freedoms Observatory in Yemen ( MARSADAK ) calls on the security forces in the city of Aden to immediately release journalist Fahmi Al-Alimi, who has been detained since last Thursday due to his journalistic activities. The Observatory urges respect for journalists’ rights and the assurance of their safety.
According to the report received by the Observatory from Al-Alimi’s colleagues, the journalist was arrested by a security force affiliated with the Security Belt while he was in one of the streets of the Sheikh Othman area. This force continues to refuse his release without providing any legal justification.
The Media Freedoms Observatory expresses its deep concern over the increasing censorship and restrictions imposed on journalists in the city of Aden, aimed at silencing them and preventing them from freely practicing their profession. These restrictions manifest through the interrogation of journalists, investigations, and accusations of serious charges such as “terrorism, destabilizing security, and involvement in forming armed gangs,” which lack evidence and substantiation.
The Observatory holds the Yemeni government and the security authorities in the city of Aden, affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council, responsible for targeting journalists, the latest instance being the arrest of journalist Al-Alimi. The Observatory also demands that the relevant authorities fulfill their legal responsibilities in protecting journalists and ensuring press freedom.
The Observatory points out that the governorate of Aden has witnessed an unprecedented escalation in the severity of systematic violations and arbitrary practices against journalists and workers in the field media. This includes the closure of several local TV offices and the pursuit and arrest of their correspondents.
Furthermore, the Observatory reminds that journalist Nasih Shakir has been forcibly disappeared in the city of Aden for approximately nine months. The authorities continue to deny his presence, despite all indications pointing to Aden as the last place he was seen.