Geneva – SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties stated that it has been closely monitoring with deep concern the escalating violations affecting fundamental rights and freedoms in Yemen, amid the continued absence of legal safeguards and the erosion of justice institutions. This situation is accompanied by increasing targeting of journalists and human rights defenders, as well as the instrumentalization of judicial and administrative procedures in a manner that undermines the principles of the rule of law. The organization noted that this broader context reflects a troubling pattern of compounded violations that extend beyond restrictions on freedoms to include infringements on civil and economic rights, including the right to property and the right to a fair trial.

The organization reported that it reviewed a post by journalist Taha Al-Maamari, which provided a detailed and alarming account of a series of measures affecting his property, funds, and media assets. He stated that he had been subjected to comprehensive seizure and confiscation operations over several years, including the takeover of his media company in its entirety—broadcast stations, archives, technical equipment, and cameras—along with the looting of his media center’s contents. His home was also seized and placed under confiscation, and land owned by him was taken without any legal basis. According to the statement, these actions were carried out at an early stage, prior to any judicial ruling, reinforcing suspicions of their arbitrary nature.

The organization added that the post indicated an attempt to subsequently confer a legal appearance on these measures through a ruling issued by the Specialized Criminal Court on 24 September 2024, which sentenced him to death by firing squad as a discretionary punishment, including the comprehensive confiscation of all his assets inside and outside Yemen. This ruling was issued in absentia, during proceedings in which he was allegedly deprived of the most basic rights of defense, including the right to choose legal representation, present his arguments, and exercise his right to appeal. It was further noted that the appeal was ultimately rejected. The organization emphasized that, if verified, these circumstances constitute a flagrant violation of Articles (10) and (11) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article (14) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantee the right to a fair and public hearing before an independent and impartial tribunal, as well as the rights of defense and the presumption of innocence.

The organization also highlighted the post’s reference to the freezing of bank accounts and the imposition of seizure orders on real estate properties, including a house in Sana’a and land in Al-Nahda district, without due legal safeguards. It further noted reports of construction activity initiated on one of the properties after altering its features, in what was described as an attempt to fully appropriate it. If confirmed, this would constitute a continuing violation of the right to private property and a clear breach of Article (17) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which prohibits arbitrary deprivation of property.

The organization further pointed to allegations that the charges against Al-Maamari, described as politically motivated, were baseless and lacked evidence, particularly given his assertion that he had left the country prior to the outbreak of the conflict and had not returned since. This raises serious concerns regarding the integrity of judicial procedures and the credibility of the accusations. It also warned that issuing a death sentence in a context lacking fair trial guarantees represents a grave breach of Article (6) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which restricts the application of the death penalty—where it has not been abolished—to the most serious crimes and under strict judicial safeguards ensuring all rights of the accused.

In the same context, the organization reviewed a statement by the Yemeni Journalists Syndicate indicating that journalist Bilal Al-Murriri was subjected to an attempted assault while performing his journalistic duties in Taiz. It also referenced the detention of journalist Mohammed Amin by security forces for several hours in connection with licensed professional activity. The organization affirmed that these incidents constitute violations of press freedom and are inconsistent with legal obligations requiring authorities to protect journalists and ensure a safe environment for practicing journalism without intimidation or restriction.

The organization stated that, taken together, these incidents—if substantiated—reflect a systematic pattern of violations involving the use of the judiciary as a tool to legitimize arbitrary measures, including property confiscation and the imposition of severe penalties without adherence to due process guarantees. This undermines the foundations of justice and threatens the rule of law.

Accordingly, SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties called for the establishment of independent and impartial investigations into all referenced incidents to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable. It stressed that impunity contributes to the entrenchment of such practices and the erosion of justice. The organization also called for the annulment of all rulings and procedures issued in the absence of legal safeguards and for the suspension of any resulting penalties, particularly those affecting the right to life, in line with international human rights obligations.

It further urged the restitution of all confiscated properties to their rightful owners and fair, adequate compensation for the damages incurred, emphasizing that the protection of property rights is a fundamental pillar of justice and the rule of law. The organization also called for effective measures to ensure the protection of journalists and media workers, the cessation of all forms of harassment and violations against them, and the accountability of all those found responsible.

Finally, it urged the international community, including the United Nations and the Human Rights Council, to take a more active role in monitoring these violations and to adopt practical measures to pressure for respect for human rights in Yemen. It also called on international and regional organizations to intensify documentation and legal support for victims, thereby contributing to accountability and redress.

In conclusion, SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties emphasized that the continued persistence of such violations without serious intervention will exacerbate the suffering of victims, undermine prospects for justice, and threaten the future of rights and freedoms in Yemen, thereby necessitating urgent and serious action by all relevant parties.