IFJ urges warring parties in Yemen to end attacks on journalists

JournalismPakistan.com | Published April 01, 2015

Join our WhatsApp channel

IFJ urges warring parties in Yemen to end attacks on journalists

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate, the Yemeni Journalists’ Syndicate (YJS), have expressed grave concern over the current escalation of violence in the country. They have urged all the parties to the conflict to immediately stop threatening and harassing journalists and media workers, accused of affiliating with rival parties and serving their interest.

The IFJ said in a Press Release that journalists in Yemen are facing increasing threats from several sides as the political and military situation in the country deteriorates. After the air strike campaign launched against Houthi militiamen by the Saudi led coalition - composed of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Sudan, Egypt, US, Jordan, and Morocco - a military spokesperson for the coalition stated last Sunday that media organizations associated with the Houthi rebels and the former Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh are legitimate targets.

Media reports say the Yemen Today, a TV affiliated with Saleh received a phone call from the coalition last Sunday with warning that the TV channel and its staff were from that moment considered a military target. They had to evacuate the building for security reasons.

“The YJS condemns any action that undermines the safety of journalists and media workers, which would be a flagrant violation of media freedom and international laws,” said the IFJ Yemeni affiliate in a statement. “The YJS holds the coalition responsible for insuring the safety of media workers. This was a reckless statement and if the threat is carried out all Yemeni journalists will be united to stand up against it.”

The YJS also asked the Houthis to reconsider their decision to close down media organizations and blocking news websites, which is “an unprecedented campaign of collective punishment” against the Yemeni media.

On his part, the IFJ President Jim Boumelha asked the national journalists to unite around the YJS in this critical period.

“The IFJ fully backs its union in Yemen and urges all sides to stop harassing journalists in the country,” said Boumelha. “The measures imposed by the Houthis and the statement launched by the Saudi lead coalition are both designed to crush an already narrow marring of freedom of expression and freedom of the press in Yemen. We urge all Yemeni journalists to unite around their union, which is leading fight against violence and extremism that is hitting the journalists’ community”.

Amid the recent increase in violence, two Yemeni journalists Abdulkarim al-Khaiwani and Khalid Mohammed al-Washli lost their lives since the start of 2015.

Even a win can't hide Pakistan's structural collapse in cricket

June 11, 2025: Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.

Journalists stage walkout at post-budget briefing over government's dismissive attitude

June 11, 2025: Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.

Legal storm brews as Dr. Nauman Niaz serves defamation notice on Shoaib Akhtar

May 31, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.

HRCP urges complete repeal of PECA, citing threats to free speech and civil liberties

May 30, 2025: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.

PFUJ condemns murder of journalist Syed Mohammad Shah, urges immediate justice

May 30, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.

State within a state? Police block reinstated Jang employees from resuming duties

May 26, 2025: In Rawalpindi, police allegedly side with Jang Group to block 66 reinstated employees from resuming work despite court orders, drawing sharp criticism from unions and press freedom advocates.

PFUJ slams Jang Group's 'economic massacre' after mass firing of over 80 workers

May 25, 2025: PFUJ condemns the Jang Group's decision to dismiss over 80 employees in Rawalpindi, calling it an 'economic massacre.' The union warns of nationwide protests if workers are not reinstated.

Labor rights trampled: Daily Jang defies court, terminates over 80 employees

May 25, 2025: Daily Jang Rawalpindi has terminated over 80 employees, including female staff, despite multiple court rulings in their favor—raising concerns over labor rights violations and misuse of authority in Pakistani media.

Newsroom

219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, PJS reports

May 19, 2025 PJS reports 219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, with 30 women among the victims. Over 430 were injured and 685 family members were killed. Read more on the systematic targeting of media in Gaza.

Pakistan's Flying Horse: How Samiullah Khan changed hockey forever

May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.

Algerian TV channel suspended for 10 days over racist slur against African migrants

May 04, 2025 Algerian authorities suspend Echorouk News TV for 10 days after it used a racist slur against African migrants. ANIRA demands an apology, calling it a violation of human dignity.

NCHR and MMfD launch Fellowship to Empower Journalists on Digital Rights & Gender Inclusion

May 04, 2025 NCHR and MMfD launch a journalism fellowship to train reporters on digital rights & gender inclusion in Pakistan. Supported by UNESCO, this initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide. Apply by May 15, 2025!

'In A Different Realm' offers a philosophical take on cricket's greatest innings

April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.