Press release
Condemns Threats Against Journalist Yassin Al-Aqlani
The Media Freedoms Observatory in Yemen expresses its full solidarity with journalist Yassin Al-Aqlani, a correspondent for Yemen Shabab Net, in response to the explicit threats he received that jeopardize his physical safety. These threats followed the publication of a news report in which he exposed suspected corruption related to high school examinations for Yemeni students residing in the Egypt.
According to Mr. Al-Aqlani, he received a threatening phone call from Abdulhadi Al-Shudhabi, the brother of the Deputy Minister of Education for Curriculum and Instruction, which included intimidation and coercive language aimed at deterring him from continuing his journalistic work, constituting a clear violation of the fundamental principles of press freedom and journalist safety.
The Observatory affirms that such threats represent a flagrant violation of press freedom as guaranteed by national legislation, particularly Yemen’s Press and Publications Law No. (25) of 1990, which states in Article (6):
“A journalist shall not be subjected to harm or abuse for opinions expressed or for publishing accurate information.”
Moreover, this incident constitutes a breach of international commitments made by the Republic of Yemen, foremost among them Article (19) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which protects the right to freedom of opinion and expression, including the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information.
“A journalist shall not be subjected to harm or abuse for opinions expressed or for publishing accurate information.”
Moreover, this incident constitutes a breach of international commitments made by the Republic of Yemen, foremost among them Article (19) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which protects the right to freedom of opinion and expression, including the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information.
The Media Freedoms Observatory holds the relevant official authorities, foremost among them the Ministry of Education, fully legally and morally responsible for these threats. It also calls on the judiciary to immediately open an investigation and hold those responsible accountable, to deter anyone seeking to intimidate or silence journalists.
We reaffirm our full solidarity with our colleague Yassin Al-Aqlani, and reiterate our unwavering commitment to defending press freedom and the rights of journalists under all circumstances.
Issued by:
Media Freedoms Observatory in Yemen
May 19, 2025
Media Freedoms Observatory in Yemen
May 19, 2025