The Yemeni government has requested the country’s chief prosecutor opens an investigation into former transport minister Saleh Al-Jabwani for launching a social media defamation campaign that targeted Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik.
General Prosecutor Ali Ahmed Al-Awash was ordered to probe accounts of slander, defamation and misinformation that were directed against Abdulmalik by Jabwani, state-run Saba news agency reported, quoting a government official.
“Copies of the tweets, publications and statements made by Jabwani were put as an addendum in the letter sent to the general prosecutor,” the source told Saba.
Engaging in defamation, slander or misinformation is punishable by Yemeni law as it seeks to weaken state authority.
Jabwani’s targeting of Abdulmalik is believed to stem out of the exclusion of some Yemeni parties from recent government formation consultations held by the prime minister.
Yemeni Army Spokesman Brig. Gen. Abdo Majli said Tuesday the accusations made by Jabwani against Abdulmalik were untrue and aimed at creating divisions inside the legitimate government.
“Yemen national army troops carry out military operations in accordance with strategic plans drafted by the Defense Ministry and General Chiefs of Staff and ratified by the President,” Majli confirmed.
He added that the strategic plans implemented by government forces have aided in achieving qualitative victories lately, especially in the governorates of al-Jawf, Marib, Taiz and Dhale. Military advances were also accomplished in Nihm district, east of Sanaa.
Majli urged joining efforts within Yemen’s political and military leadership to avoid the war-torn country being dragged into futile divisions.
The spokesman also warned against falling into the trap of rumors.
“Mass media must be accurate and fair and should verify information before releasing it,” he noted, emphasizing the need to rely on official sources for information whenever possible.
Majli warned that media must not spread rumors that fuel sedition and target Yemeni leadership, people and armed forces.
