SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties expressed deep concern over the ongoing campaign of harassment and direct threats targeting journalist Omar Al-Maqrami, correspondent for Al-Arabi TV in Aden. The organization warned that these developments signal a dangerous deterioration in the working environment for journalists and highlight the serious risks faced by media professionals amid ongoing security chaos and political polarization.

SAM emphasized that the threats against Al-Maqrami, alongside the assault on the offices of Aden Al-Ghad newspaper, reflect an escalating pattern of violations against freedom of expression and the public’s right to information. According to urgent reports received by the organization, Al-Maqrami has been targeted through a systematic campaign of hate speech and incitement on digital platforms, including explicit threats of abduction and torture related to his professional work. Preliminary information indicates that this campaign is led by a media figure linked to the now-dissolved Southern Transitional Council, within a complex security environment that heightens the risk of verbal incitement turning into actual violence.

SAM called on the relevant authorities to act immediately and decisively, noting that documented threats require prompt intervention to prevent any potential attack. The organization stressed that the situation in Aden cannot be separated from the broader context of weak law enforcement and fragmented power structures, which create an environment where journalists can be targeted with impunity. While SAM acknowledges the security challenges faced by local authorities, it emphasized that these challenges do not justify failing to protect journalists, whose safety is a fundamental test of the rule of law.

The organization underlined that public incitement to violence constitutes a clear violation of the right to life and personal security and breaches Yemen’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, particularly Article 19 on freedom of expression, as well as international standards on the protection of journalists. Any failure to investigate such threats may amount to a dereliction of the state’s duty to provide protection and prevent violations before they occur.

SAM called on authorities to launch an urgent and transparent investigation into the threats and incitement, identify those responsible, and hold them accountable under the law. The organization also urged immediate measures to ensure Al-Maqrami’s safety and enable him to perform his work without fear of intimidation or reprisal. Effective protection mechanisms should include early monitoring of threats and addressing digital incitement.

The organization further urged all stakeholders to refrain from using media platforms to incite or defame, warning that continued attacks could push journalists toward self-censorship, undermining society’s right to information. SAM stressed that press freedom is not a narrow interest but a core pillar of stability and public trust.

Finally, SAM warned that impunity for crimes against journalists sends a dangerous message that targeting media workers can go unpunished, threatening public space and the rule of law. The organization called on the international community and press freedom organizations to closely monitor the situation and support measures to ensure a safe working environment for journalists in Yemen.

SAM concluded by reaffirming that protecting journalists is both a legal and moral obligation that admits no delay, and that any procrastination in responding to such threats could have irreparable consequences.