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A new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) has revealed alarming violations of press freedom in Yemen, where journalists and media institutions face systematic abuse by all major parties to the conflict. The findings document arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, torture, and other forms of inhumane treatment targeting media workers.
The report identifies the Houthis, the Southern Transitional Council, and the internationally recognized Yemeni government as responsible for widespread repression, including the seizure of media outlets and harassment of journalists. These actions have severely undermined the right to free expression across the country.
Niku Jafarnia, HRW’s researcher for Yemen and Bahrain, stated that the repeated attacks have “threatened the lives of dozens of journalists and gravely undermined freedom of expression in Yemen.” Some detainees reported being subjected to harsher treatment than other prisoners, allegedly to deter them from reporting on government abuses and corruption.
Over the past 11 years of conflict, numerous journalists have been killed, with several cases believed to be targeted assassinations. Despite clear breaches of international law, accountability remains elusive, and press freedom continues to deteriorate.
