Journalists remain under attack in Yemen
The Yemeni Journalists Syndicate has published a report revealing 40 media violations including attacks against journalists.
Findings detailed in a new report by the YJS include eight arrests of journalists, eight incidents of targeted threats, and three physical assaults against journalists. The Syndicate has called for an end to the climate of impunity, with Houthi authorities responsible for 55 per cent of violations and the Yemeni government accountable for the remaining.
The report highlights the hostile environments media workers experience alongside threats to their safety. In April, four Yemeni journalists were released from death row in a prisoner exchange. The NUJ, YJS and International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) had all called on authorities to ensure their release, campaigning to highlight reports of torture the men had been subjected to.
The YJS reports that at least five journalists remain imprisoned in the country and both the NUJ and IFJ have urged the Yemeni government and other armed groups to release all media workers detained. The Syndicate’s union headquarters has been controlled by the Transnational Council forces in Aden since late February, and is yet to be returned.
Anthony Bellanger, IFJ general secretary, said:
“We condemn the unacceptable environment in which journalists and media professionals have to work in Yemen, endangering their safety and their lives to inform the public. We reiterate our call for the release of all detained colleagues, and demand that the Yemeni authorities implement the recommendations issued by our affiliate in the report.”