A rally in Marib demands the immediate release of kidnapped and forcibly disappeared journalists.

A recent press conference in Marib urged the international community, along with local and global organizations, to exert stronger pressure on the Houthi militia, classified as a terrorist group. The goal is to secure the immediate and unconditional release of journalists kidnapped by the militia and to reveal the fate of those who have been forcibly disappeared, some for nearly a decade.

Journalists Face Ongoing Repression

The statement from the conference, organized by the Yemen Journalists’ Association, coincided with World Press Freedom Day on May 3. It highlighted that for nearly ten years, journalists in Yemen have endured a climate of repression and violence, severely limiting their freedom. Continuous violations, including extrajudicial killings, have led many journalists to conceal their profession out of fear of retaliation or censorship.

Documented Violations and Recent Attacks

From 2015 to 2025, the Yemen Journalists’ Association documented the deaths of 65 journalists and media workers from both local and international outlets. Notably, this month, the Houthi militia targeted filmmaker and producer Musab Al-Hatami with an explosive projectile in Marib, resulting in his death.

Call for Safe Spaces for Expression

In their statement, journalists reiterated the urgent need for safe spaces for freedom of expression. They called for the removal of restrictions that hinder journalists from performing their duties and for the creation of a free and fair media environment. This environment should promote transparency and the free flow of information, free from violations and political polarization. They demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all journalists held arbitrarily and those who have been forcibly disappeared.

Demands for Legal Protections and Support

The statement also called for an end to arbitrary arrests and malicious legal pursuits against journalists. It emphasized the need to protect media institutions from targeted attacks and to ensure the payment of salaries to journalists working in state institutions. Additionally, the conference urged support for initiatives aimed at the professional, psychological, and legal rehabilitation of journalists. A comprehensive strategy should be developed to foster effective partnerships that protect journalists and prevent impunity for those who commit crimes against them.

Conclusion

The press conference in Marib serves as a critical reminder of the challenges faced by journalists in Yemen. It highlights the urgent need for international attention and action to safeguard press freedom and protect those who risk their lives to report the truth.

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