(5) Cases of violation of media freedoms, June 2024
The Media Freedoms Observatory in Yemen released its monthly report “Infographic” on the status of media freedoms and the arbitrary practices against journalists and media outlets, documented (5) cases of of violations against media freedoms during June 2024.
the violations recorded by the Observatory have varied one arrest and Preventing from filming and interrogation and the prosecution of journalist over media activity and Bombing two offices of Media Outlets.
the Observatory recorded violations in the governorates of Hadhramaut and Aden and Reema and Hodeidah and Marib.
The report pointed out the parties committed such violations, are the Yemeni government 3 cases, the US Air Riads 2 case
Serious accusations against journalists without evidence
A wide campaign of arrests and crackdowns is being carried out by security and judicial authorities in the city of Aden against anyone who disagrees with them or criticizes the security and economic situation. The latest incident involves the arrest of photojournalist Saleh Al-Abidi by a security force affiliated with the Aden Police Department, accusing him of destabilizing security and belonging to an armed gang.
Al-Abidi was accused by serious accusations have by the security and judicial authorities without justification or evidence. These accusations came from the Dar Saad police Station, the same entity that arrested journalist Ahmed Maher, subjected him to torture, and accused him of forming an armed gang, subsequently sentencing him to four years in prison. The court was unable to prove any of the charges against him. According to legal experts and human rights advocates, his case was marred by numerous legal violations. Additionally, journalist Nasih Shakir remains forcibly disappeared, with no information, thus far, about his fate.
The impunity enjoyed by perpetrators of violations against journalists has significantly contributed to the escalation of these abuses, to the point where terrorism charges are being directed at journalists for no reason other than their profession. It is imperative for the international community and organizations dedicated to freedom of expression and human rights to intensify their efforts to halt these practices and hold the perpetrators accountable. This would help create a safe media environment and put an end to the culture of impunity.