Geneva — SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties stated that recent developments in the media landscape, along with the accompanying campaigns of incitement and targeting, reflect an increasingly tense environment that threatens the space for freedoms and directly affects those working in journalism. The organization explained that this escalation in hostile rhetoric and restrictions creates an unsafe environment for male and female media professionals, underscoring the need for a clear human-rights–based stance that places the protection of freedom of expression and human dignity at the forefront.
Journalist Ahd Yaseen told SAM that she is currently facing a campaign of incitement and takfīr led by a well-known preacher, affirming that such rhetoric places her in immediate danger and raises serious concerns about her safety and that of her family. She explained that the use of religious platforms to incite against her represents a real threat that could encourage individuals to harm her, particularly since she and her colleagues had previously faced assaults and takfīr campaigns in Aden following its liberation—campaigns that escalated to the killing of a close associate and the abduction and torture of others.
She added that the continuous threats forced her to leave Yemen and seek refuge in Cairo, yet she still feels unsafe in her new surroundings due to the broad influence of the party inciting against her. Yaseen emphasized that the renewed wave of takfīr today revives past experiences of fear and depression, intensifying her sense of vulnerability as a woman facing such targeted hostility without protection or support.
SAM expressed deep concern over this latest incitement campaign targeting broadcaster Ahd Yaseen following her recent media appearance, noting that the campaign used degrading and discriminatory language with religious and moral overtones aimed at undermining her personal and professional dignity.
The organization stressed that such discourse constitutes a clear violation of the right to freedom of expression and journalistic work, adding that it fosters a hostile environment for women working in the media and exposes them to real social and security risks. It further pointed out that criticism based on appearance or the use of religious rhetoric to demean or incite against women represents blatant discrimination and a violation of international human rights standards.
In the same context, SAM followed with concern the statement issued by local authorities in Taiz attacking Yemen Shabab Channel, accusing it of falsifying facts and calling on security bodies to investigate the outlet. The organization considered the resort to security agencies to address a media dispute a dangerous escalation that undermines press freedom, contradicts Yemen’s international obligations, and threatens to silence independent voices.
SAM also reviewed the complaint issued by the Yemen Shabab network, in which it condemned the governor’s statement against the channel and its staff, describing it as a direct attempt to deter journalists from carrying out their professional duties. The network explained that its report was based on findings from the UN Panel of Experts regarding the situation in Taiz, and that it adhered to professional standards by contacting local officials for comment—none of whom responded. It further noted that instead of exercising its right to clarify or respond, the local authority sought the intervention of security agencies to investigate the published material, a move it considered a dangerous trend that threatens freedom of opinion and expression. The network called on the Yemeni Journalists Syndicate and the International Federation of Journalists to condemn this behavior and protect media workers from abuse of power.
SAM emphasized that any disagreement related to media coverage must be handled through recognized professional and legal channels—either by granting the right of reply or resorting to civil courts. It stressed that dragging media issues into the realm of security agencies or linking them to concepts of national security and counterterrorism constitutes a serious overreach that opens the door to arbitrary practices, undermining press freedom and removing media disputes from their natural context.
The organization called for an immediate end to incitement campaigns against broadcaster Ahd Yaseen and for ensuring her protection. It also urged the withdrawal of any security measures or threats directed at Yemen Shabab Channel, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding journalists—men and women alike—from hostile and discriminatory rhetoric, and upholding international standards for freedom of opinion and expression while protecting media institutions as a fundamental pillar of the civil sphere.