Geneva— SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties stated that the killing of journalist Mohammed Aydah, correspondent for Al-Arabiya and Al-Hadath channels, on the evening of June 24, 2026, following an IED explosion that targeted his vehicle in Mukalla, Hadramout Governorate, constitutes a grave crime and a flagrant violation of the right to life and press freedom.

The organization emphasized that this incident reflects the fragility of the media environment in Yemen and highlights the increasing risks journalists face while performing their duties, amid ongoing threats, attacks, and a lack of effective accountability.

SAM called on the security and judicial authorities in Hadramout to launch an immediate and transparent investigation into the crime, preserve evidence, identify the perpetrators and those behind them, and refer them to justice to ensure there is no impunity.

The organization stressed that targeting journalists does not only threaten media professionals but also undermines the community's right to knowledge and access to information, driving journalists toward fear and self-censorship.

Furthermore, SAM urged the Yemeni government and relevant authorities to take serious measures to protect journalists, track threats against them, and ensure a safe and independent environment for media work in Yemen.