The National Organization of Yemeni Reporters (SADA) strongly condemns the violations and arbitrary practices committed against journalist and photographer Abdulrahman Al-Humaidi by security forces in Marib Governorate. These actions included arbitrary detention and coercion into procedures that constitute a blatant violation of his right to practice journalism and a deprivation of the public’s right to access information.
SADA followed with deep concern the incident involving journalist Al-Humaidi on Saturday and Sunday, May 24 and 25, 2025. He was detained arbitrarily for nearly nine hours by the Third Security Zone and was forced to delete a Facebook post containing verified information about an armed assault on a citizen, in which he called for justice for the victim.
Although Al-Humaidi was released around midnight on Saturday/Sunday under a personal guarantee, he was summoned again on Sunday morning by the Governorate’s Security Department. There, he was unexpectedly made to appear before an extended security meeting that resembled an interrogation session in the presence of several security officials. During this meeting, he was coerced under threat to sign a pledge stating that he would not publish any issue or incident in Marib without first referring to the security services and relevant authorities. This illegal pledge was documented with the signatures of two guarantors.
In light of this dangerous conduct, SADA affirms the following:
1. The duty of security agencies is to uphold the law, not to abuse it under its name. What happened to journalist Al-Humaidi constitutes a grave violation of due legal process and contravenes Article 47 of the Yemeni Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, as well as Press and Publications Law No. 25 of 1990.
2. Al-Humaidi’s post fell within the scope of professional journalism and contained no legal violations. Rather, it reflected a high sense of responsibility and professionalism in conveying information and defending victims’ rights. SADA commends him and urges all journalists to continue fulfilling this vital role.
3. The detention, coercion, and forced signing of a pledge under threat constitute a flagrant violation of journalists' rights and a serious infringement on freedom of expression and publication, further undermining the safe environment needed for journalism in Marib.
4. SADA rejects all forms of repression, restriction, and attempts to silence or intimidate journalists. It warns that the press freedom index in Yemen has reached alarming levels in May, amid the rise of such practices.
5. The organization calls on Presidential Leadership Council member and Governor of Marib, Sheikh Sultan Al-Aradah, to urgently intervene and launch an independent and transparent investigation into the incident, holding those responsible accountable to restore journalists’ trust in Marib as a safe place for professional journalism.
6. While SADA appreciates previous cooperation with the governorate’s security leadership, it urges them not to slide into practices of censorship and suppression of freedoms, or to become instruments of control over what journalists and opinion writers publish. The organization calls on the authorities to reaffirm their commitment to protecting press freedoms.
7. SADA insists on the immediate annulment of the coercive and unlawful pledge imposed on journalist Al-Humaidi, demands a formal apology and restoration of his dignity, and calls for accountability for all those involved in the violations.
8. The organization affirms that Al-Humaidi retains his full legal right to seek justice through the courts and announces its readiness to provide him with comprehensive legal support through the “Dhaman” Legal Protection for Journalists in Yemen project.
9. SADA warns against any retaliatory actions or wrongful security measures that may follow this statement. It holds the security forces and local authorities fully responsible for the safety of SADA’s team, journalist Abdulrahman Al-Humaidi, and all journalists in Marib. The organization rejects any attempts to restrict press freedom under security pretexts.
#JournalismIsNotACrime
Issued by:
The National Organization of Yemeni Reporters (SADA)
Monday, May 26, 2025