On the Kidnapping and Execution of Journalist Mohammed Al-Maqri
After more than nine years of mystery and search efforts, a tragic announcement was made: Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, classified as a terrorist organization, declared the execution of Yemeni journalist Mohammed Al-Maqri, who had been held captive by the group since October 2015. The announcement caused deep shock and sorrow, as hope had remained for news of his fate or his release.
“The Media Freedoms Observatory in Yemen has worked since his abduction to issue numerous statements and launch advocacy campaigns, including holding hearings with witnesses. We consistently demanded the disclosure of the fate of forcibly disappeared journalists, including Mohammed Al-Maqri. This crime is one of many that violate press freedom in Yemen.”
Details of the Kidnapping and Violations
Mohammed Al-Maqri was working as a correspondent for Yemen Today TV Channel when he was abducted by armed members of the Al-Qaeda on October 12, 2015, in Mukalla, during Al-Qaeda’s control of Hadhramaut governorate. The wave of abductions at that time also targeted other journalists, such as Amir Ba’awidhan and Amin Al-Hamid, as part of a repressive campaign against journalists covering popular protests against Al-Qaeda.
The abductees were subjected to brutal torture and severe violations, representing a breach of paragraph (b) of Article 48 of the Yemeni Constitution, which prohibits torture and other forms of inhumane treatment. These actions also violate the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their 1977 Additional Protocols, which contain explicit provisions prohibiting cruel, inhumane treatment and attacks on personal dignity.
Raiding the Home and Terrorizing the Family
The violations extended beyond Al-Maqri’s abduction. Armed members of the Al-Qaeda raided his home during his absence, accompanied by a woman. They looted personal documents, including his marriage certificate and private photos. Despite the desperate pleas of his wife, who was alone with her infant, the militants acted brutally and prevented her relatives from entering the house.
“The widespread or systematic practice of enforced disappearance constitutes a crime against humanity, as defined under applicable international law, and carries the penalties stipulated therein.”
Survivor Testimonies
In one of the hearings organized by the Media Freedoms Observatory, survivor Amir Ba’awidhan provided testimonies about the brutal torture methods he and his colleagues endured, including beatings, suspension, electric shocks, and psychological torture. He noted that the organization moved them between multiple locations, blindfolded, to conceal the detention centers.
Although some journalists were released, Al-Maqri remained in the group’s custody until the announcement of his execution on charges of spying for the National Security Agency, an accusation his family categorically denied.
Local and international human rights organizations condemned the violations against Mohammed Al-Maqri.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) expressed its strong condemnation of Al-Maqri’s execution, describing it as a severe blow to press freedom and journalists worldwide. The IFJ demanded that those responsible for this crime be held accountable and brought to justice and called on de facto authorities and armed groups to release all unjustly detained journalists immediately.
Press Freedom Crisis in Yemen
According to reports by Reporters Without Borders, Yemen is one of the most dangerous countries for journalists, ranking 158th globally. Journalists face significant risks, including abduction, torture, and assassination by Houthis, Al-Qaeda, and other entities.
Between 2015 and 2024, the Media Freedoms Observatory documented approximately 2,600 violations against journalists, most committed by the Houthis, followed by Al-Qaeda and the official government.
In conclusion, the kidnapping and execution of Mohammed Al-Maqri constitute a grave crime and a blatant violation of human rights and press freedom. These ongoing violations reflect the dangerous environment in which journalists operate in Yemen. Stronger international solidarity is urgently needed to ensure justice and protect journalists.