Journalists Syndicate calls on Shabwa authorities to cancel arbitrary measures against satellite channel correspondents

The Yemeni Journalists Syndicate called on the authorities of Shabwa Governorate (southeast Yemen) to stop the arbitrary measures against satellite channel correspondents and to provide a safe environment for journalistic work in the governorate.

The union said in a statement, "It received reports from colleagues Abu Bakr Al-Mahdar, a correspondent for Belqis Channel, Awad Atash, a correspondent for Al-Mahra Channel, and Hassan Ahmed Al-Buraiki, a correspondent for Suhail Channel, in Shabwa Governorate, complaining about the arbitrariness of the media office in the governorate, which asked them to sign work permit forms that violate the law."

The correspondents added in their complaint that they were summoned by the Public Prosecution on charges of working without work permits, and that they are subject to trial.

While the Syndicate condemned these illegal measures, it called on the local authority in Shabwa Governorate to stop these measures and provide a safe environment for journalistic work in the governorate, and lift the restrictions imposed on the work of journalists and field correspondents.

The Journalists Syndicate stressed the need to provide facilities for journalists to practice their work freely, which would contribute to strengthening the role of journalism in revealing facts and facilitating access to information.

Last month, "Yemeni Youth Net" learned from human rights sources that the Ataq Primary Prosecution Office in Shabwa Governorate (southeast Yemen) had summoned correspondents of the Suhail, Belqis, and Al-Mahriya channels on August 26 to appear before it at the request of the governorate authorities.

Since the control of the UAE-backed Transitional Council forces in August 2022, the governorate has witnessed a decline in media freedoms, and local authorities are imposing restrictions on the media and journalists, within widespread violations that affect all segments of society.