The raid on journalist Amjad Sabeeh’s home and his pursuit constitute a violation of press freedom

The Yemeni Media Freedoms Observatory (Marsadak) has received reports from a number of journalists in Hadramout Governorate indicating that they have been subjected to harassment and threats due to their writings and differing opinions.

Journalist Amjad Sabih, Editor-in-Chief of Hadramout21 news website and Director of the Media and Culture Department at the auxiliary executive body of the dissolved Southern Transitional Council (STC), reported that forces affiliated with the Nation’s Shield forces (Dir’ al-Watan) in the city of Seiyun, Hadramout Governorate, surrounded and stormed his home on Sunday, 8 February 2026. The incident involved the intimidation of his family and an attempt to arrest him without presenting any clear legal justification.

Journalist Osama bin Fayadh also reported being subjected to threats and harassment, while media activist Salem Kharraz was arrested over his coverage of the recent demonstrations that took place in Hadramout Governorate.

The Yemeni Media Freedoms Observatory (Marsadak) strongly condemns such practices, stressing that raiding journalists’ homes and terrorizing their families constitutes a violation of press freedom and a blatant breach of constitutional and legal guarantees that protect freedom of opinion and expression. These guarantees obligate security authorities to adhere to due legal procedures in any pursuit or summons.

Marsadak calls on the security authorities in Hadramout Governorate to immediately halt the pursuit and summoning of journalists, put an end to these violations, and work toward providing a safe environment that enables media professionals to carry out their duties freely and responsibly. The Marsadak emphasizes that differences in political or ideological views can never justify the targeting or restriction of journalists.

The Marsadak further stresses that any issues related to journalistic work must be addressed exclusively through the competent legal and judicial frameworks, in a manner that ensures respect for journalists’ rights and protects them from any form of threat or punishment for their opinions or professional positions.

The Marsadak reiterates that protecting journalists and respecting media freedom is a legal and ethical responsibility that rests with all authorities.