Yemeni Journalists’ Syndicate headquarters attacked
The National Union of Journalists has joined the International Federation of Journalists in condemning the occupation of the Yemeni Journalists’ Syndicate offices by armed men.
The incident described the by the IFJ as “an open attack on the journalists’ union” took place on 28 February in the Aden Governate. Individuals from the Southern Media and Journalists’ Syndicate (SMJS) entered the premises and replaced a YJS banner with one of their own. The SMJS is an organisation supported by the Southern Transitional Council, in control of the city of Aden.
The YJS have urged authorities to act swiftly to avoid a repeat of such incidents. The Syndicate denounced the attack, expressing its concerns over “repercussions on the work of the labour movement in the country.”
Anthony Bellanger, IFJ general secretary, said:
“This is a shameful attack on the trade union movement and the rights of journalists and media workers in the country. We urge the authorities to take action and to hold accountable those responsible for the assault.”