Geneva – SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties stated that the security apparatus under the control of the Houthi group has referred journalist Mohammed Al-Mayahi to the Press and Publications Prosecution and Court, following nearly four months of arbitrary detention due to his journalistic writings. SAM emphasized that Al-Miyahi’s detention constitutes a blatant violation of national and international laws that guarantee freedom of expression and underscores the Houthi group’s continued exploitation of the judiciary to settle political scores and suppress dissenting voices.
In an exclusive statement to "Sam," lawyer Ammar Al-Ahdal reported that journalist Mohammed Al-Miahai was unexpectedly referred to the prosecution. He and his colleague, lawyer Abdul Majid Sabra, were surprised to find him there after receiving a call from one of the officers. Upon their arrival at the specialized criminal court, they discovered that Al-Mayahi was referred on charges related to disturbing public security and harming the system of governance, which are serious criminal offenses.
Lawyer Al-Ahdal added: "We presented a defense to the investigating member that Al-Mayahi is a journalist and that the charges against him are related to his work as a media professional, and therefore the jurisdiction does not fall under the specialized criminal court." The investigating member reviewed the file and the documentation submitted by "Police Intelligence," which is a new security agency, and found that Al-Miahai was registered as a media professional, with the charges against him involving statements, attending interviews, or publishing posts—all related to his journalistic work.
He pointed out that "the prosecutor member, Judge Khaled Omar, referred the file to the Press and Publications Prosecution for review after he examined the file and confirmed that the case does not fall under the jurisdiction of the specialized criminal prosecution." He added that "the judge raised this matter with the head of the prosecution and its deputy for approval of this proposal."
The lawyer mentioned that they spoke with the prosecutor's deputy, who initially expressed concern about the seriousness of the charges against Mohammed Al-Miahai, stating that the penalties could reach death. However, he indicated that "the prosecutor's deputy ultimately said 'No problem,' and we will begin tomorrow with procedures to refer the file to the Press and Publications Prosecution where the procedures are lighter, and God willing, he will be released quickly," according to his statement.
"SAM" reviewed a post published by the lawyer Abdul Majid Sabra on his Facebook page, in which he affirmed that the investigating member decided to refer Al-Mayahi's case to the Press and Publications Prosecution and Court, considering him a journalist. The charges against him are related to his journalistic work, specifically for allegedly publishing inciting articles against the state and its political system, as per the information provided by the General Intelligence Police Department.
The organization affirmed that the arrest of journalist Mohammed Al-Mayahi lacks any clear legal basis. It directly contravenes constitutional principles and local laws that safeguard freedom of expression and journalistic work. Furthermore, it violates Yemen’s international commitments under treaties and agreements that uphold media freedoms and criminalize any restrictions on journalists for their opinions or professional work.
SAM highlighted that referring Al-Mayahi’s case to the Press and Publications Prosecution and Court is part of a systematic pattern employed by the Houthi group. This group has been using the judiciary as a tool to eliminate political opponents and silence dissenting voices. Judicial institutions have become repressive instruments in the hands of the Houthis, used to justify repeated violations against journalists, human rights advocates, and anyone who dares to express independent opinions.
The SAM Organization stressed that the continued detention and trial of journalist Mohammed Al-Mayahi for his journalistic work is a dangerous indicator of the escalating repression against journalism in Yemen. It noted that such oppressive practices exacerbate suffering and deepen instability, necessitating urgent action to ensure justice for Al-Mayahi and guarantee his safety and legal rights.
SAM reported that the victim was arbitrarily detained on the morning of Friday, September 20, 2024, by the Military Police forces affiliated with the Houthi group in Sana’a. His arrest was prompted by a post he published on his Facebook page criticizing the Houthi group and its policies. This detention was part of a large-scale campaign launched by the group in September, coinciding with the 62nd anniversary of the September 26 Revolution.
The organization indicated that Al-Mayahai suffered from harsh conditions during his detention. He was held in solitary confinement for a full month, deprived of sunlight like other prisoners, and was only allowed to see his wife through a glass barrier, without being able to hear her voice. Other prisoners described the solitary confinement where the victim was placed as "hell," where inmates are deprived of adequate light and air, receiving only a small piece of bread daily in a degrading manner. Al-Mihai announced a hunger strike in protest against his detention conditions and demanded to be brought to trial or released.
"SAM" added that the violations extended beyond the victim himself to target his family and friends. Houthi forces violently raided his home, confiscated his electronic devices, and subjected his wife to degrading interrogation. His brother was also abducted, tortured, and forced to pay a ransom for his release. Even young men from Al-Mayahi’s village faced arrest and financial extortion due to their solidarity with him, According to exclusive statements obtained by "Taiz Time" website.
SAM calls on the Houthi group to cease its repressive practices against journalists and to release journalist Mohammed Al-Mayahi, along with all other detained journalists, immediately and unconditionally. The organization also calls on the international community and institutions concerned with press freedom to exert maximum pressure on the Houthi group to put an end to these systematic violations and to respect media freedoms and human rights.