MARSADAK: Condemns Houthi Decision Restricting Filming and Media Work in Sana’a

The Media Freedoms Observatory in Yemen has condemned an official circular issued by the office of the Mayor of Sana’a, under the control of the Houthi group (Ansar Allah), which prohibits any television crew or content creator from filming or conducting field interviews in Sana’a without prior authorization from the Houthi-controlled Ministry of Information. This decision constitutes a blatant violation of press and media freedom.

This circular is part of a broader pattern of repressive measures adopted by the Houthi group against journalists and media institutions since its takeover of the capital Sana’a and several other Yemeni governorates in September 2014.

Since late 2014, the Houthi group has committed more than 1,890 violations against journalists in Yemen, out of a total of 2,622 documented violations over the past ten years. These violations include murder, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, torture, confiscation of media equipment, and the storming and closure of the offices of TV channels, radio stations, and independent newspapers.

In 2015, just one year after the group’s takeover of Sana’a, the Observatory documented over 425 violations against journalists, in addition to the storming of media institutions and the transformation of official media outlets into propaganda tools serving the group’s agenda. These actions resulted in the loss of jobs for more than 630 journalists, both male and female.

The Observatory confirmed that Houthi-controlled areas have become among the most dangerous environments for journalists due to systematic practices including repeated security summons, financial extortion for obtaining permits, and arbitrary approval or denial of media licenses. All as part of efforts to impose content censorship and restrict freedom of expression.

The Media Freedoms Observatory emphasized that these practices lack any legal or constitutional basis and are inconsistent with Yemen’s international obligations regarding human rights and press freedom. Moreover, they contribute to the creation of a closed media environment that serves one party while excluding all other voices.

The Observatory called for the immediate cancellation of the circular and an end to all measures that obstruct the work of journalists and content creators. It also demanded that journalists be allowed to carry out their duties freely and independently, without restrictions or the need for political or security approval, ensuring the public’s right to access accurate and reliable information.