Geneva – 5 November 2025
SAM for Rights and Liberties stated that the inclusion of journalists’ names in military statements issued by the Al-Tur Al-Bahah Military Axis in Taiz constitutes a clear violation of judicial authority, a serious breach of freedom of expression, and a form of systematic intimidation against journalists. The organization called on the Yemeni authorities to launch an urgent and independent investigation and hold those responsible for issuing these statements accountable.
The Al-Tur Al-Bahah Axis had announced in a statement that it had “foiled a terrorist plot” in the city of Al-Turbah, south of Taiz. The statement included the names of two journalists and media figures — Majed Al-Madhaji, Director of the Sana’a Center for Strategic Studies, and Abdul Sattar Al-Shumeiri — in an accusatory and inciting context, without any legal evidence or judicial investigation.
SAM explained that involving the names of journalists or civilian researchers in military statements endangers their personal safety and undermines public confidence in independent media. It stressed that this represents a direct encroachment on the jurisdiction of the judiciary, whose role is exclusive in examining and investigating any allegations — a dangerous precedent that threatens the principle of the rule of law and separation of powers.
The organization added that using military platforms to launch political or media accusations outside the legal framework amounts to psychological intimidation against journalists, undermines the oversight role of the press, and constitutes a clear violation of Articles (11) and (14) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
SAM emphasized that the sensitive context in Taiz requires all parties — officials, media professionals, and activists — to exercise greater responsibility and adopt language that promotes trust and de-escalation. Incitement or political exploitation of events does not serve Taiz or its security; rather, it deepens division and weakens the civil sphere.
The organization stressed that press freedom is not a political luxury but a fundamental right, and that any targeting or defamation of journalists constitutes a direct assault on freedom of opinion, thought, and knowledge. Respect for the judiciary and the rule of law is the true guarantee of stability and social peace; replacing law with public accusations only opens the door to chaos and impunity.
SAM for Rights and Liberties calls on the Yemeni authorities to:
Open an urgent and independent investigation into the inclusion of the names of Majed Al-Madhaji and Abdul Sattar Al-Shumeiri in the statement issued by the Al-Tur Al-Bahah Axis.
Hold military officials who approved or directed the publication of the statement accountable for violating the law and overstepping judicial jurisdiction.
Stop incitement and media rhetoric that targets journalists, researchers, or activists in Taiz and other governorates.
Ensure the military institution adheres to its lawful mandate and is not used as a platform for accusations or incitement.
Provide a safe environment for press freedom and expression as an essential pillar for building a state of law and institutions.