MARSADK: Welcomes the Release of Journalist Ahmed Maher and Calls for Accountability for Violations Against Him

The Yemeni Media Freedoms Observatory in Yemen welcomes the decision to release journalist Ahmed Maher, who spent nearly two and a half years in detention over opinion-related charges, enduring harsh conditions in prisons under the authority of the Yemeni government in Aden, controlled by the Southern Transitional Council (STC).
The Observatory extends warm congratulations to Ahmed Maher’s family, the journalistic community, and all human rights and freedom advocates, both locally and internationally, who supported his case during his imprisonment. It expresses gratitude to all parties that contributed to achieving this milestone.
This step comes after a prolonged ordeal during which Maher was subjected to enforced disappearance, torture, and severe violations of his legal and human rights, including being denied family visits and legal representation for almost a year.
Despite serious criminal accusations against Maher, including allegations of forming an armed group, the courts failed to present any concrete evidence to substantiate these claims. Following an initial four-year prison sentence issued by the preliminary court in May 2024, the Appeals Division in Aden overturned the verdict in December 2024, ordering his release and acquitting him of all charges.
The Observatory emphasizes the necessity of restoring Maher’s material and moral rights and holding all those responsible for the violations he endured accountable, asserting that crimes against human rights are not subject to a statute of limitations.
The Observatory also takes pride in Ahmed Maher winning the 2024 Yemen Courage in Journalism Award, alongside journalist Mohammed Al-Miyahi, who remains detained by the Houthi group in Sana’a. The Observatory calls for intensified efforts to secure the release of all detained journalists and to ensure their protection while carrying out their work.
It further urges security authorities in Aden to immediately reveal the fate of journalist Nasif Shakir, who has been forcibly disappeared since November 2023. Similarly, the Observatory calls on the Houthi group to release journalists Wahid Al-Sufi and Nabil Al-Sadawi, some of whom have been imprisoned for nearly a decade.
The Observatory deeply appreciates all media organizations, human rights groups, and nations that have supported Yemeni journalists in the face of systematic violations since the outbreak of the war in Yemen.
This release is a positive step that underscores the importance of the continued struggle for press freedom and the defense of journalists’ rights. The Observatory urges all concerned parties to redouble their efforts to protect journalists and prevent the recurrence of such violations.
It reaffirms its commitment to using all legal means to defend and support journalists until they obtain their legitimate rights and can work in an environment free of oppression and intimidation.
The Media Freedom Observatory in Yemen
January 18, 2024