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NGOs Call for Release of Journalists Detained in Houthi Prisons

A Yemeni worker wearing a protective outfit sprays disinfectant on passing cars and motorcycles in the capital Sanaa, during the coronavirus pandemic, on May 21, 2020. (AFP)
A Yemeni worker wearing a protective outfit sprays disinfectant on passing cars and motorcycles in the capital Sanaa, during the coronavirus pandemic, on May 21, 2020. (AFP)
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NGOs Call for Release of Journalists Detained in Houthi Prisons

A Yemeni worker wearing a protective outfit sprays disinfectant on passing cars and motorcycles in the capital Sanaa, during the coronavirus pandemic, on May 21, 2020. (AFP)
A Yemeni worker wearing a protective outfit sprays disinfectant on passing cars and motorcycles in the capital Sanaa, during the coronavirus pandemic, on May 21, 2020. (AFP)

Over 22 Yemeni NGOs called Monday on the Iran-backed Houthi militias to unconditionally release journalists detained in their prisons, including those sentenced to death.

In a joint statement released on World Press Freedom Day, the organizations said: “Despite being a target of harassment and abusive practices, Yemeni journalists continue their struggle to uncover facts in Yemen amid war threats and the outbreak of the coronavirus.”

Journalism remains a dangerous profession in Yemen where reporters are subject to murder, violations, assault and kidnapping, while attacks on media organizations continue.

In their joint statement, the NGOs renewed their rejection of death sentences against four journalists detained in Houthi prisons for the past five years. They are Abdulkhaleq Ahmed Amran, Akram Saleh Al-Walidi, Al-Hareth Saleh Hamid and Tawfiq Mohammed Al-Mansouri.

They rejected the sentence, saying it was issued by a court that has no jurisdiction.

Also on Monday, the Yemeni Journalists' Syndicate reiterated its call for the release of all jailed journalists.

The Syndicate has documented around 1,400 violations against the press, including 39 killings and hundreds of arrests since the war in Yemen erupted in late 2014.

It said the difficult conditions in which journalists work in Yemen demand that all parties responsibly stand with them.

The Syndicate outlined the plight of journalists who have lost their jobs after more than 150 newspapers and media outlets were shut as the press came under more threats.

Moreover, the Syndicate called on international organizations concerned with freedom of expression to support Yemeni journalists and end the oppression against the press.

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Arab World

Aoun: Rebuilding Lebanon is Not Difficult if Intentions are Sincere

President Joseph Aoun welcoming his visitors at the Baabda Palace (Lebanese Presidency)
President Joseph Aoun welcoming his visitors at the Baabda Palace (Lebanese Presidency)
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Aoun: Rebuilding Lebanon is Not Difficult if Intentions are Sincere

President Joseph Aoun welcoming his visitors at the Baabda Palace (Lebanese Presidency)
President Joseph Aoun welcoming his visitors at the Baabda Palace (Lebanese Presidency)

President Joseph Aoun said the Lebanese “must unite to rebuild the country, a task that is not difficult if intentions are sincere.”
He underscored the importance of forming a government that aligns with the aspirations of the Lebanese people and enables the country to recover, particularly on the economic front.
Aoun pointed out that the swift formation of a government would send a positive signal internationally, demonstrating that Lebanon is on the right track. He reiterated that everyone must rise to the occasion, stating: “Those who cannot bear the responsibility should not hold positions of authority.”
Calling for collective efforts to serve the public good, Aoun remarked that Lebanon’s strength lies in all its citizens, regardless of sectarian affiliations. He stressed the importance of mobilizing the potential of both residents and expatriates to contribute to the nation’s revival.
The president made these statements during a meeting with Catholicos Aram I of the Armenian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Ignatius Joseph III Younan of the Syriac Catholic Church, and Catholicos-Patriarch Raphael Bedros of the Armenian Catholic Church. The three religious leaders visited the presidential palace to congratulate him on his election.
“We are at a crossroads. While we have many opportunities ahead, it is up to us to either seize them or lose them. We must unite to rebuild the country, a task that is not difficult if intentions are sincere. Otherwise, we must bear the consequences of our choices,” the president said.
He continued: “We have received many positive signals and invitations from abroad. In return, we must also send positive messages. God willing, this will culminate in the formation of a government that meets the aspirations of the Lebanese people, functions effectively, and allows the country to recover, especially economically, so it can get back on the right path.”
Aoun concluded: “Lebanon has untapped potential, both at home and within its diaspora, that must be activated to serve the country. This requires an approach based on prioritizing the public interest with transparency and cooperation. This is what the world expects from us, and if we achieve it, they will support us.”