SADA Organization Condemns Coercive Arrest Warrants Against Three Journalists and Two Activists in Hadramout

The National Organization of Yemeni Media Reporters “SADA” strongly condemns the arbitrary practices and unwarranted summonses targeting a number of journalists and media activists in Hadramout Governorate by security and judicial authorities, based on their media activities and opinions on issues concerning the governorate.

The organization expresses deep concern over the referral of these cases to the Specialized Criminal Prosecution, a step that reflects an arbitrary classification which frames freedom of expression as a threat to state security. This constitutes a direct threat to press freedom in the country.

SADA denounces the arbitrary actions against a number of journalists and media activists, namely:

Sabri Salmeen bin Mukhashen, Abduljabbar Omar Bajabeer, Muzahim Abu Bakr Bajaber, Badr Nasser Al-Mashjari, and Rami Abdullah Al-Jaberi.

SADA affirms that these practices represent a flagrant violation of the Yemeni Constitution and relevant international covenants, which guarantee freedom of journalistic work and prohibit all forms of assault or arbitrary detention against journalists. The organization warns that the continuation of these violations could undermine peace and stability in the governorate, foster an atmosphere of fear, and entrench unlawful practices.

In light of this, SADA calls on the concerned authorities in Hadramout to respect the rights of journalists and media professionals and to ensure they can carry out their work in a safe and threat-free environment. The organization also urges all local and international organizations concerned with press freedom to intervene urgently and exert pressure to guarantee the protection of journalists and put an end to these violations.

Issued by:

The National Organization of Yemeni Media Reporters “SADA”

Dated: June 3, 2025