JournalismPakistan.com | Published January 09, 2019
Join our WhatsApp channel
BRUSSELS - The International Federation of Journalists reiterates its support to the Yemeni Journalists’ Syndicate (YJS) call for the immediate release of journalist Sabri Salmeen bin Makhashin, Editor in Chief of Al-Muharrir newspaper and Al-Muharrir Net website, who has been under arbitrary arrest in Hadramout, a governorate of Yemen, since December 3, 2018.
The Military Intelligence Apparatus arrested Bin Makhashin in the city of Mukalla without explanation for his detention.
According to the YJS, who has followed the case since the beginning, and Makhashin’s family, the journalist is in very poor health. The family has also denounced that he was prevented from receiving medical treatment including for diabetes.
The IFJ reiterates its demands to stop violence against journalism and journalists by the different parties in Yemen and to ensure a safe working environment for journalists and freedom of speech.
The arbitrary detention of Makhashin was not an isolated case. In its annual report on the situation of press freedom in Yemen, the YJS recorded a total of 226 violations during 2018. These include attacks against photographers, dozens of newspapers, websites, media headquarters and the seizure of journalist equipment.
The report reveals that the majority of the violations were committed by the Houthi group (136 violations, 60% of the total) while the legitimate government bodies committed 68 violations (30% of the total). The Arab coalition was responsible for 11 violations (5%), unidentified perpetrators committed nine violations (4%) and the Southern Movement 2 violations (1%).
The YJS reported 86 kidnappings and arrests, 38 cases of blocked websites and social media sites, 17 physical attacks, 17 court cases and 15 seizures of media equipment, among others.
Moreover, 17 journalists remain kidnapped by the Houthi group, from whom most have been held for more than three years. They include Wahid Al-Soufi who disappeared on 6 April 2015 and Muhammad Al-Maqri who has been held captive by Al-Qaeda since 12 October 2015.
Furthermore, according to the IFJ killed journalists list for 2018, Yemen was the third deadliest country in the world for journalists with 11 killed journalists. Yemen was one of the five countries the IFJ chose for its 2018 End Impunity Campaign due to the war between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition which resulted in increased violations of journalists’ rights.
IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said: “We call on the United Nations General Secretary and his envoy to Yemen to take these outrageous violations seriously. We reiterate our call to all parties involved in the war in Yemen to enforce United Nations Security Council’s resolutions which protect journalists in Yemen and to end taking journalists as hostages.” – IFJ media release
December 05, 2024: UNESCO and IRADA hosted a national consultation in Islamabad, calling for inclusive Internet governance reforms in Pakistan to protect digital rights, freedom of expression, and access to information through multi-stakeholder collaboration.
December 04, 2024: A viral video claiming journalist Matiullah Jan was expelled from PMA has been debunked by iVerify Pakistan. The video, edited with AI, originates from the drama serial Ehd-e-Wafa.
November 30, 2024: Journalist Matiullah Jan has been released from Adiala Jail after securing bail, ending fears of a potential transfer to Attock Jail. He expressed gratitude to supporters and shared light-hearted moments about his custody.
November 30, 2024: Daily Dawn condemns the arrest of journalist Matiullah Jan as a misuse of the law. The editorial highlights concerns over the state's weaponization of legal provisions against journalists, activists, and dissenters.
November 30, 2024: The Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court has granted bail to journalist Matiullah Jan in a case involving drugs and terrorism charges. He was released on a surety bond of PKR 10,000 following the suspension of his physical remand by the Islamabad High Court.
November 29, 2024: The Lahore High Court has ordered the production of journalist Shakir Mahmood Awan’s alleged kidnapper by Monday while summoning IG Punjab and demanding CCTV footage from Safe City.
November 29, 2024: Suno TV faces criticism for targeting senior journalist Matiullah Jan with a smear campaign following his controversial abduction and arrest. This raises serious concerns about media ethics and press freedom in Pakistan.
November 29, 2024: WISPAP has requested the Ministry of Interior to extend the deadline for VPN registration in Pakistan, citing the need to ensure compliance amid increasing VPN usage after platform bans.
December 05, 2024 Over 50 journalists protested in Kuala Lumpur against proposed amendments to the Printing Presses and Publications Act, which threaten press freedom. IFJ and NUJM urge the government to withdraw the bill and engage in stakeholder consultation.
December 04, 2024 The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 faces uncertainty as Pakistan's hosting rights clash with India's refusal to participate. A political and financial standoff unfolds.
December 03, 2024 Submit your work for the Global Shining Light Award by February 28, 2025. Celebrate investigative journalism from the Global South at the Kuala Lumpur conference.
November 21, 2024 Investigative journalist Rana Ayyub received over 200 threats after her phone number was leaked on social media by a right-wing content creator. IFJ and IJU demand Maharashtra authorities take immediate action against those responsible for this targeted online harassment.
November 20, 2024 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Germany is accepting applications for its 2025 Berlin Fellowship Program, offering journalists from crisis areas six months of digital security training, networking opportunities, and more.