Undermine Freedom of Expression in Yemen

A coalition of Yemeni civil society organizations, including Musaala Organization for Human Rights, issued a joint statement condemning the misuse of the judiciary to target human rights defenders and suppress freedom of expression in Yemen. The statement highlights growing repression, with authorities in both Aden and Sana’a using judicial mechanisms to punish and silence activists and journalists, undermining fundamental freedoms.

The statement particularly references the case of Yasser Al-Maliki, a lawyer and human rights defender, who has been summoned by the Specialized Criminal Court in Aden and is being prosecuted in connection with fabricated charges of involvement in an armed gang. Additionally, Al-Maliki and other activists have faced prosecution in Sana’a for defending the rights of teachers protesting unpaid salaries. The statement criticizes these actions as politically motivated attempts to curb civil society efforts.

The organizations call for an immediate halt to the judiciary’s role in persecuting human rights defenders and urge the international community, including the United Nations, to intervene and safeguard activists’ rights to free expression and advocacy.

For the full statement and a complete list of signatory organizations, please click on the following link:

Statement-on-the-use-of-the-judiciary-to-prosecute-activists-in-Yemen-En

Date: October 15, 2024