Prosecution Drops Fabricated Charges Against Journalist Fahd Al-Arhabi

The Marsadak (Yemeni Media Freedoms Observatory) welcomes today’s decision by the Public Funds Prosecution in Sana’a, which ruled “no grounds for criminal prosecution” against journalist Fahd Al-Arhabi, following nearly two years of violations and legal harassment over his journalistic activities and his advocacy for public funds.

The Marsadak has supported Al-Arhabi’s case from day one, standing by him both legally and in defense of his rights, affirming that the charges brought against him were malicious and part of a wider campaign to silence journalists who oppose the looting of public land and state property.

This judicial decision once again highlights the dangerous reality faced by journalists in areas under Houthi control, where they are summoned and detained on baseless charges, in ongoing attempts to silence free and independent media.

At the Marsadak, we reaffirm our full commitment to defending all journalists and supporting their just causes wherever they are, until the media in Yemen can operate freely, independently, and safely.

It is worth noting that journalist Fahd Al-Arhabi:

• Was first arrested in June 2023 and remained in detention for over two months.
• Was then re-arrested on August 20, 2024, by the Security and Intelligence Service in Amran Governorate, and remained in custody for nearly six months without trial.