World Press Freedom Fay: Journalists freed from Houthi prisons share their stories of survival and hope

World Press Freedom Day serves as a crucial occasion to reaffirm the vital role of journalism in fostering peace and achieving justice. The right to access information, a fundamental entitlement guaranteed by constitutional provisions and international agreements, applies to all citizens. Journalism also plays a critical role in exposing corruption and holding accountable those responsible for transgressions.

Amidst the ongoing conflict, journalists in Yemen encounter formidable challenges in the exercise of their profession. Press freedom remains suppressed, and they face grave risks in carrying out their work, including arrest, detention, torture, and even death.

According to a report by Reporters Without Borders, Yemen has climbed to the 154th position, showing an improvement compared to the previous year when it ranked 164th.

Coinciding with World Press Freedom Day, Barran Press sought the perspectives of several journalists who had served as editors in Houthi prisons, an organization internationally classified as a terrorist group, to reflect on their current sentiments as they celebrate World Press Freedom Day after embracing their newfound freedom.

The Grave Transgression

Abdelkhaleq Omran, a journalist and editor, remarked on World Press Freedom Day, stating, "This day reminds us of the gravest transgression against press freedom in modern Yemeni history, perpetrated by the Houthi militias for nearly a decade. The militias waged a systematic war against journalists, encompassing acts such as killing, abduction, torture, forced disappearances, and even execution orders. They displaced these journalists from their homeland, shuttered opposition media outlets, confiscated their assets, deprived hundreds of employees of their salaries, and undermined the entire journalistic landscape."

In an interview with Barran Press, Abdelkhaleq further expressed that this day serves as a reminder of the limited global solidarity, which fails to match the magnitude of the Houthi crime against journalism and journalists in Yemen. It also highlights the international organizations' inability to halt the ongoing Houthi assault on press freedom.

Regarding his evaluation of press freedom in internationally recognized government-controlled areas, Omran stated, "According to data released by journalism and human rights organizations today, there are no journalists imprisoned by the legitimate government. If there are prisoners of conscience, they are detained in facilities beyond the control of the legitimate government in Aden, as reported."

Unforgettable Crimes Against Journalists

Omran underscored that the Houthi militia, an internationally classified terrorist group, "will not evade accountability for their crimes against journalists, and their violations of press freedom will not fade with time. The justice system will hold Abdulmalik al-Houthi, the primary perpetrator of these offenses against journalism and journalists, accountable. Al-Houthi issued orders to target journalists and media personnel, including individuals like Abdulqader Al-Murtadha, Abdulhakim Al-Khaywani, Yahya Saree, and others."

Journalist Abdul Khaliq Imran called upon the internationally recognized Yemeni government to "redouble its efforts to secure the release of all kidnapped journalists held in Houthi prisons. The government must ensure dignified lives befitting journalists and media professionals, acknowledging their sacrifices and struggles for freedom and democracy. The public prosecutor should present the cases of those involved in crimes against journalists to the judiciary, enabling fair punishment in accordance with local laws and international agreements."

Imran emphasized, "The impunity enjoyed by the Houthi criminals only emboldens them to commit further crimes, as we witness daily since the coup. It also tarnishes the reputation of justice."

The Taste of Freedom

In an exclusive interview with "Barran Press," journalist Haitham al-Shihab remarked, "Freedom is invaluable after enduring arduous and harrowing circumstances, being stripped of basic rights, and subjected to physical torture and repeated brutality."

Al-Shihab, an editor imprisoned by the Houthi militias, added, "I cannot forget that bitter period, which continues to haunt me every moment, instilling fear and anxiety for the lives of my comrades remaining in Houthi prisons."

Despite the suffering endured in Houthi prisons and the torture he experienced, Al-Shihab, as a journalist, acknowledged, "I recognize the necessity and importance of the work I performed as a journalist, shedding light on the crimes and violations committed by the militia against everything that represents freedom and independence. The path pursued by journalists in Yemen is lengthy and challenging, but it will not deter any courageous journalist from fulfilling their mission and duty as required."

Recalling the Tragedies

Hisham Tarmoum, an editor imprisoned by the Houthi militias, stated, "As the world commemorates World Press Freedom Day on May 3rd, we Yemeni journalists, especially those who were incarcerated in Houthi prisons, recall the tragedies and pain we endured, which continue to linger in our bodies and lives. We also remember other fellow journalists who remain imprisoned either by the Houthis or in other parts of Yemen."

Tarmoum highlighted the importance of international support for Yemeni journalists, stating, "We call upon international human rights organizations, press freedom advocates, and the international community as a whole to exert more efforts in securing the release of journalists still held captive and to hold the Houthi militias accountable for their crimes against press freedom."

He further stressed the need to provide support and protection to journalists, saying, "Journalists in Yemen face numerous challenges and risks in carrying out their work. They are at constant risk of harassment, intimidation, and violence. It is crucial to provide them with the necessary support and protection to ensure their safety and enable them to continue their vital role in informing the public and upholding the principles of freedom of expression."

Hope for the Future

Despite the challenges and hardships faced by Yemeni journalists, there remains a sense of hope for the future. As World Press Freedom Day is celebrated, journalists like Abdelkhaleq Omran, Abdul Khaliq Imran, Haitham al-Shihab, and Hisham Tarmoum are reminded of the progress made and the resilience of the journalistic community.

They believe that by continuing to shed light on the truth, expose corruption, and give voice to the voiceless, journalism can contribute to the restoration of peace and justice in Yemen. They express their determination to continue their work and advocate for press freedom, hoping to create a safer and more conducive environment for journalists in the country.

As the world acknowledges the importance of press freedom and the vital role journalists play in society, it is crucial to support and protect journalists globally and work towards ensuring their safety, freedom, and ability to carry out their work without fear of reprisals. World Press Freedom Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by journalists in Yemen and the urgent need for international solidarity in advocating for their rights and freedom.