Statement issued by Journalists Protection Network in Yemen regarding the execution of journalist Mohammed Qaid Al-Muqri

Statement issued by Journalists Protection Network in Yemen regarding the execution of journalist Mohammed Qaid Al-Muqri

The Journalists Protection Network in Yemen expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the execution crime carried out by Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) against journalist Mohammed Qaed Al-Muqri, who was kidnapped by (AQAP) on October 12, 2015 while covering a demonstration in the city of Mukalla in Hadramaut Governorate (eastern Yemen) during its control of the city at the time.

We express our deep shock following the announcement by the so-called "AQAP" of the execution of journalist Al-Maqri after more than 9 years of his kidnapping and forced disappearance, under the pretext of "espionage".

The Journalists Protection Network in Yemen described the crime as barbaric, and confirmed that it is a crime against humanity, as it represents a flagrant violation of all international and humanitarian laws and norms.

 As we offer our sincere condolences and sympathy to the family of journalist Mohammed Qaed Al-Muqri, and to colleagues in the Yemeni press community, for this painful loss that has befallen our journalistic family, we ask of Allah to have mercy on the deceased journalist Mohammed Al-Muqri and inspire his family and relatives with patience and solace. We, in the Yemeni Journalists Protection Network, emphasize the following:

- We condemn in the strongest terms this terrorist crime committed against journalist Mohammed Qaed Al-Muqri, and all 11 civilians who (AQAP) announced were executed with him.

- This crime not only reflects a blatant violation of human rights and freedom of expression, but is also a blatant assault on humanity, its values, and the values ​​of Yemeni society.

- We demand that the legitimate government and the competent authorities in Yemen pursue the killers of journalist Al-Muqri and bring them to justice. We also demand that the body of journalist Al-Muqri be revealed and handed over to his family.

- We demand that the Presidential Leadership Council and the legitimate government provide real guarantees to hold accountable all those involved in the kidnapping and killing of journalists and committing any crimes against freedom of the press.

 - Journalism is not a crime, but rather a right, and we emphasize the right of the journalist to practice his profession with complete freedom, and the right of a person to express his opinion and convey the facts without fear of being killed or arrested.

- We emphasize the need to provide comprehensive protection for journalists in Yemen, and to ensure their personal safety while performing their professional duty in covering events.

- We call on international and local human rights and media organizations to condemn the crime and exert the necessary pressure on official bodies in Yemen and the de facto authorities to protect journalists in Yemen and prevent violations and crimes against them, and we call on everyone to cooperate in prosecuting the perpetrators of these crimes against journalists and working to protect freedom of the press in Yemen.

- We emphasize the need to include the cases of murdered or kidnapped journalists on the agendas of international human rights conferences, and the need to work to provide international pressure to ensure the prosecution of the perpetrators.

- We call for the formation of an independent committee to follow up on the cases of kidnapped and murdered journalists, and to pressure for justice, in line with international human rights standards.

 The member organizations of the Journalists Protection Network in Yemen affirm that free press and receiving information from it is a basic right for every human being in the world, and we must all contribute to protecting it and working to provide a safe environment for journalists.

Together for the rights of journalists and freedom of expression.

Issued by the Network to Protect Journalists in Yemen

Wednesday, January 1, 2024.

The organizations that signed the statement:

1- The National Organization of Yemeni Reporters (SADA).

2- The Association of Mothers of Abductees.

3- Peace Paths Foundation (PPF).

4- Women Journalists Without Chains Organization.

5- Free Media Center .

6- Protection Center for Human Rights.

7- Yemen Future Foundation for Cultural and Media Development.

8- The American Center for Justice.