Freedom of Expression in Yemen: A critical state of affairs
Four international non-governmental organisations conducted a joint press freedom mission to Yemen between 7 and 11 November 2010 to make a comprehensive assessment of the freedom of expression situation in the country. The delegation travelled to the capital city Sana’a and the southern city of Aden to meet with media professionals, media experts, government and opposition parliamentarians, civil society representatives, legal advisors, and press and communications spokespeople from US, UK and EU diplomatic representations.
The meetings and interviews revealed that Yemeni media professionals live and work in an extremely hostile environment. The delegation was deeply concerned to uncover that the government uses a powerful set of draconian laws to stifle freedom of expression and deploys various tools to restrict the media. Widespread violence is directed against journalists, while reports of abductions, kidnappings, arbitrary arrests, beatings and torture are commonplace. The delegation noted that through its control over broadcast and print institutions, distribution outlets and advertising, the government seriously undermines the development of a strong independent media in Yemen. Journalists feel inadequately protected by the country’s legal system and a culture of fear surrounds editorial coverage of a wide range of issues. The mission was informed that self-censorship is common practice.
