Yemen: journalists remain under attack from government and Houthi group
The Yemeni Journalists’ Syndicate has published a report detailing media violations including attacks against journalists throughout 2023.
Violations against journalists committed by the Yemeni government accounted for 52 per cent of the 82 total recorded. 38 per cent were by the Houthi group and four per cent by media institutions. Several journalists in the country have been detained and harassed with one case of kidnapping reported. The NUJ condemns the targeting of journalists and calls for swift action by authorities to ensure their protection.
In 2023, there were 12 cases of threats and incitement against journalists; five cases involving the confiscation and looting of property, and 10 related to the harsh treatment of detainees in prison. Five journalists remain imprisoned in the country, and NUJ sister union Yemeni Journalists’ Syndicate (YJS) has urged the Yemeni government and other armed groups to release all those detained. The YJS has also called on the Yemeni government to investigate all violations committed by its bodies, taking action to ensure safe working environments for journalists in areas under its control.
Attacks against journalists are also detailed in the publication, with one case involving an assault with a firearm. Other violations include the arrest of journalists and the hacking of two media websites.
Anthony Bellanger, IFJ general secretary, said:
“We strongly condemn the adverse working conditions faced by journalists and media professionals in Yemen, jeopardising their safety and lives as they strive to inform the public. We call once again for all journalists to be released and for press freedom to be guaranteed at all costs.”