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
April 30, 2025: Freedom of expression in Pakistan is under threat, as the 2025 Freedom Network report reveals increased arrests, censorship, and legal restrictions following amendments to PECA, posing serious risks to journalists and democratic values.
April 30, 2025: Dawn has criticized the Indian media's calls for war and condemned the banning of 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, urging a rational response after the Pahalgam attack that left 26 dead.
April 28, 2025: India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including major news outlets and individual journalists, following the deadly Pahalgam attack. Tensions escalate as Islamabad demands a neutral probe.
April 23, 2025: Pakistani journalists respond in unison to a post hinting at a possible Indian military strike. Citing the 2019 ‘Swift Retort,’ they warn of a stronger response if provoked again.
April 21, 2025: After being expelled from PTI, MNA Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists and Aleema Khan, sparking outrage on social media over his offensive remarks.
April 21, 2025: Journalist Sanaullah Khan reveals that the FIA has launched a financial crackdown on YouTubers by freezing the bank accounts of journalists and their family members—raising serious concerns over freedom of expression and legal process.
April 20, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz launched his fifteenth book, In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple and Triple Centuries 1876–2025, at an elegant Islamabad event, reflecting on cricket’s rarest feats and his journey as a scholar of the game.
April 11, 2025: Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.
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.
April 22, 2025 Once a beacon of hope for Pakistan's cricket revival, the Pakistan Super League now grapples with stagnation and moral compromises. Can this cultural symbol reclaim its lost soul?
April 21, 2025 An Italian newspaper, Il Foglio, successfully published a month-long AI-written insert and praised its irony and analytical abilities, while affirming that AI will complement—not replace—quality journalism.
April 03, 2025 The International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) invite nominations for the 2025 World Press Freedom Hero and Free Media Pioneer Awards. Recognizing courageous journalists and innovative media, the awards will be presented at IPI’s 75th-anniversary World Congress in Vienna. Submit your nominations by April 30, 2025.
April 01, 2025 Photojournalist Suresh Rajak was burned alive while covering a violent protest in Kathmandu. The IFJ and its affiliates condemn the attack and call for an urgent investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable.