Geneva - SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties expressed its deep concern regarding the continued detention of journalist Mohammed Abdul Qader Al-Mayahi for nearly four months, in a blatant violation of the constitutional and legal rights guaranteed to every Yemeni citizen, especially journalists who practice their professional role in conveying facts and expressing opinions.

The organization pointed out that the case of journalist Mohammed Al-Mayahi has witnessed clear legal violations, as the prosecutor of the Specialized Criminal Prosecution insisted on refusing to refer his case to the Press and Publications Prosecution, despite the Specialized Criminal Prosecution not being competent to investigate journalists. It affirmed that this arbitrary measure led to the continued detention of journalist Al-Mayahi and his investigation under conditions that violate Yemeni and international laws, according to lawyer Abdul Majeed Sabra.

SAM quoted lawyer Sabra as saying that journalist Mohammed Al-Mayahi refused to answer questions from the Specialized Criminal Prosecution in the last investigation session, adhering to his legal right to have his case referred to the Press and Publications Prosecution. He demanded his immediate release based on constitutional texts that affirm that no citizen may be detained for more than 24 hours without legal justification.

The organization added that the Specialized Criminal Prosecution leveled accusations against journalist Al-Mayahi related to publishing material on social media, conducting television interviews, and broadcasting news that it considered "biased" with the aim of inciting public opinion, disturbing public security, and inciting against the state and its political system. Based on these accusations, the prosecution decided to extend his pre-trial detention for seven days, renewable.

SAM stressed that the Yemeni constitution guarantees freedom of opinion and expression, and that the law protects journalists from any arbitrary measures that prevent them from carrying out their professional duties, affirming that the continued detention of journalist Al-Mayahi is a serious violation of these rights.

SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties called on the judicial authorities in Sana'a to immediately release Al-Mayahi and stop any arbitrary measures against him, while emphasizing the need to refer his case to the Press and Publications Prosecution. It pointed out that the use of pre-trial detention as a means of silencing voices and suppressing freedom of expression is a practice that violates Yemeni law and international human rights standards.

SAM also called on all local and international human rights organizations to stand by journalist Mohammed Al-Mayahi, escalate pressure to release him, and protect his rights as a journalist and a citizen. It noted that a free press is the cornerstone of any democratic society, and that the continued detention of journalists reflects a dangerous deterioration in respect for human rights and freedom of expression in Yemen.