SAM for Rights and Liberties stated that the smear campaign and digital abuse targeting journalist Hanan Faza’, a presenter on Al-Mahriya Satellite Channel, constitute a violation of media freedom and an assault on personal dignity, amid a concerning rise in gender-based digital violence in Yemen.
The organization added that the campaign, which has recently unfolded across social media platforms, targeted Faza’ due to her professional duties. It noted that her role is limited to reading news content as part of her job responsibilities, making it arbitrary and unjust to hold her accountable for the content itself or to interpret it خارج its professional context. SAM stressed that such targeting goes beyond legitimate criticism and falls within the scope of defamation and systematic abuse of a gender-based nature, aimed at intimidation and exclusion from the public sphere.
The organization further explained that the use of digital spaces as platforms for abuse and defamation amplifies the psychological and professional harm inflicted on victims, creating a hostile work environment—particularly for women working in the media sector. It warned that the continuation of such practices without accountability undermines press freedom and contributes to the silencing of women’s voices.
SAM noted that this incident is not isolated but rather part of a broader and growing pattern of digital violence in Yemen in recent years. Social media platforms have increasingly become open arenas for campaigns of defamation, insult, and harassment—especially against women, journalists, and activists. The organization highlighted that this pattern is fueled by multiple factors, including weak legal frameworks, the deterioration of law enforcement institutions due to ongoing conflict, the spread of hate speech and political polarization, and social norms that are sometimes used to justify targeting women in public spaces. It emphasized that the absence of effective accountability encourages the recurrence of such violations and entrenches a climate of impunity, threatening not only individual safety but also freedom of expression and diversity of voices in the public sphere.
From a legal perspective, SAM considered this incident indicative of a clear legislative gap in Yemen, reflected in the absence of effective laws criminalizing digital violence and protecting victims, alongside weak mechanisms for redress and accountability. It noted that this shortcoming enables the spread of crimes such as defamation, insult, slander, and online extortion, in a context of widespread impunity—contrary to Yemen’s obligations under international human rights standards, including the protection of reputation, dignity, and freedom of expression.
Journalist Hanan Faza’ told the organization:
“In truth, the recent campaigns of abuse and defamation directed at me bear no relation to reality whatsoever. They revealed to me a painful aspect of the online space, where a single word can become a tool of harm without awareness or understanding of its consequences.
As a presenter, I read what is assigned to me within the framework of my media role, and I do not have the luxury of selecting content based on personal preferences—this is standard practice in media institutions.
I found myself facing a wave of accusations and abuse that went beyond criticism to infringe upon my dignity and reputation.
This experience exposed a troubling aspect of the digital environment, where words can turn into instruments of harm without regard for their impact.
I call for greater public awareness of the dangers of online defamation and abuse, the enactment and enforcement of clear and stringent cybercrime laws, and the provision of real protection for male and female media professionals.”
The organization affirmed that campaigns of defamation and digital abuse targeting individuals—particularly women—constitute violations of the rights to dignity, reputation, and privacy, which are guaranteed under international human rights law, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. This covenant protects individuals from arbitrary or unlawful interference with their private lives, honor, and reputation, while also safeguarding the right to freedom of expression within limits that do not infringe upon the rights of others. SAM explained that the absence of effective national legislation regulating cybercrimes in Yemen, along with weak enforcement of existing laws, undermines the state’s obligations to provide effective legal protection and remedies for victims. It also contributes to the widespread impunity surrounding crimes of defamation, extortion, and online abuse, in violation of international standards requiring states to adopt legislative and judicial measures to protect individuals and ensure accountability for perpetrators.
SAM for Rights and Liberties called on Yemeni authorities to take urgent steps to enact and enforce specialized cybercrime legislation that ensures accountability for those involved in defamation and digital abuse, while safeguarding freedom of opinion and expression. It also urged journalists’ unions and media institutions to develop effective protection mechanisms for media workers and to provide legal and psychological support to victims.
The organization emphasized that addressing digital violence requires a comprehensive response that includes legislation, public awareness, and the promotion of a culture that respects media work—ensuring a safe environment in which journalists can perform their duties without fear or intimidation.