Three Journalists Acquitted by Specialized Criminal Court in Hadramout

The three journalists announced that the Specialized Criminal Court in Hadramout Governorate issued a preliminary ruling on Wednesday acquitting journalists Sabri Salmeen Bin Makhashen, Muzahim Bajaber, and Abduljabbar Bajabir of all charges brought against them, following a period of prosecution, detention, investigation, and trial related to their journalistic activities and writings.

The ruling came in response to a case filed by former Hadramout Governor Mabkhout Bin Madi, which included accusations of disturbing social peace, undermining security and stability, and publishing false news.

The verdict confirms that the court found no evidence supporting the accusations directed against the journalists, despite the psychological and moral harm they endured, the restrictions imposed on their freedoms, the intimidation faced by their families, and the fact that some of them were forced to leave the country out of fear for their safety.

The Yemeni Media Freedoms Observatory (Marsadak) considers this case a reflection of the growing risks associated with the use of serious criminal charges against journalists because of their opinions or their coverage of corruption and public affairs. Such practices threaten press freedom and undermine society’s right to access information, particularly amid the repeated use of vague accusations against journalists and activists over peaceful expression and media work.

Marsadak also noted that this ruling marks the third acquittal issued in favor of journalist Sabri Bin Makhashen in similar cases filed against him between 2018 and 2026, raising serious questions about the continued prosecution of journalists despite the lack of evidence against them.

According to Marsadak’s reports and statements, Hadramout Governorate witnessed an escalation in violations and prosecutions targeting journalists and media workers during previous periods, particularly under the administrations of former governors Major General Faraj Al-Bahsani and Mabkhout Bin Madi.

While following reports of an intention to appeal the ruling, the Marsadak stressed the need to respect legal guarantees, restore the journalists’ rights and reputations, release confiscated belongings and financial guarantees, and halt prosecutions linked to journalistic work and peaceful expression across Yemeni governorates.