Geneva – In a statement issued on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties expressed deep concern over the deteriorating and unprecedented state of press freedoms in Yemen. The organization attributed this decline to the continued violations against journalists, particularly the oppressive campaigns and arbitrary detentions carried out by the Houthi group. These practices, SAM noted, reflect the fragile state of human rights in the country and the overreach of warring parties into basic freedoms—foremost among them, the right to freedom of expression.
The organization called on all parties to the conflict in Yemen to immediately and unconditionally release all detained journalists and to end the practices of arrest, abduction, and intimidation targeting media professionals, stressing that such actions constitute flagrant violations of international humanitarian law.
SAM pointed out that Yemen has become one of the most hostile environments for journalism in the region. Citing recent reports by Reporters Without Borders, the organization noted that in 2024, the Houthi group uniquely stood out as the only actor worldwide to take two journalists as new hostages—among a total of 55 journalists held globally. The Houthi group has detained dozens of journalists, some of whom remain in custody under harsh and inhumane conditions, in clear violation of international laws that guarantee freedom of opinion and expression. These practices, SAM emphasized, not only endanger the lives of journalists but also directly undermine society’s access to truthful information.
According to the Yemeni Journalists’ Syndicate, a total of 207 violations against journalists were recorded in Yemen during 2024. These violations included arbitrary arrests, threats, security summonses, bans on coverage, raids on media offices, physical and verbal assaults, and escalating digital censorship, all in the absence of independent oversight bodies. The Houthi group was responsible for more than 60% of these violations, followed by security agencies in government-held areas and other parties supported by the coalition.
SAM also highlighted Yemen’s alarming position on the 2024 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, ranking 169 out of 180 countries. This ranking underscores the disastrous state of press freedoms in Yemen and places it among the worst-performing countries globally in this regard.
From January 2015 to May 2024, at least 45 journalists were killed in Yemen, according to the Yemeni Journalists’ Syndicate. These deaths included journalists killed during field coverage, as well as those who died under torture or were executed by extremist groups. The most recent case was journalist Abdullah Al-Maqri, whom the International Federation of Journalists confirmed was executed by Al-Qaeda after being kidnapped for nine years in Hadhramaut. This tragic case exemplifies the extreme dangers of journalistic work in Yemen and the absence of accountability.
SAM reported that in September 2024, the Houthi group issued a death sentence against journalist Taha Ahmed Al-Maamari, along with an order to confiscate all his movable and immovable property on allegations of collaboration with coalition forces. The trial lacked even the most basic standards of justice and due process. In January 2025, the group also referred journalist Mohammed Al-Miyahi to court, in a move seen as part of escalating repression against journalists in Houthi-controlled areas. SAM confirmed that Al-Miyahi’s case was riddled with gross legal violations, from arbitrary arrest and enforced disappearance, to torture and a trial devoid of fair procedures. These actions are part of a sustained effort to silence independent voices through politicized judicial mechanisms.
SAM referred to the 2025 Freedom House Report, which classified Yemen as “Not Free,” noting that media freedom is under tight control by dominant forces on the ground. Journalists face political persecution and relentless restrictions in the context of a nearly paralyzed judiciary and pervasive interference by security agencies in media affairs.
The organization added that female journalists in Yemen face compounded challenges due to societal and legal restrictions. National laws still lack sufficient legal protections for women in journalism, particularly in cases involving cybercrimes. This leaves them vulnerable to blackmail and targeting, without legal safeguards to protect them or deter perpetrators. SAM emphasized that such practices represent a direct threat to freedom of expression and independent journalism and reflect the stark gap between Yemen’s current realities and international standards protecting press freedom.
SAM warned that the ongoing culture of impunity continues to fuel the cycle of violations, and called for transparent and independent investigations into all abuses against journalists. It stressed the need to hold all perpetrators accountable, including armed groups that impose authority by force.
The organization urged all parties to the conflict in Yemen—particularly the Houthi group—to immediately and unconditionally release all detained journalists, and to end the practices of detention, abduction, and intimidation against media professionals, in line with international humanitarian law.
It also called for reforms to the legal framework governing journalism in Yemen, including the enactment of specific legislation to protect male and female journalists, and fair, balanced laws on cybercrime that safeguard freedom of expression and prevent abuse of power against the press. SAM stressed the importance of supporting and empowering independent unions and media institutions, as they are essential tools for defending journalists’ rights, confronting disinformation and smear campaigns, and promoting freedom of expression—especially in an increasingly strained environment where independent and responsible journalism is more vital than ever.
Finally, SAM called on the international community and United Nations bodies to exert genuine pressure to end violations against journalists in Yemen and to activate accountability mechanisms against those responsible for crimes against journalists, whether armed groups or official authorities.
SAM reaffirmed that freedom of the press is not a privilege, but a fundamental right—an essential pillar in the fight against corruption, the promotion of transparency, the exposure of abuses, and the building of the rule of law. The organization reiterated its unwavering commitment to standing with journalists in Yemen and providing them with legal support and international advocacy in defense of their just causes.