The family of journalist Ahmed Maher, currently detained in prisons controlled by the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in Aden, the interim capital of Yemen, has condemned a four-year prison sentence handed down by a specialized criminal court on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.

In a statement received by "Barran Press," Maher's family denounced the verdict as "political, unjust, and unlawful," emphasizing that no evidence was presented against him. They argued that the ruling is "null and void, contradicting all principles of justice and violating constitutional and legal provisions that guarantee full protection for journalists under Law No. (25) of 1940."

The family stated that Maher will appeal the verdict in the Court of Appeal and will present arguments related to public order, as outlined in Articles (185-186) of the law. They accused the court of "ignoring clear legal provisions" that Maher had presented during the trial, including Articles (8-9-103-105-177-132-133-321-322-38-402). The family appealed to civil society organizations, the Journalists Syndicate, and international human rights organizations to "condemn this legally invalid verdict."

They urged for the swift review of Maher's case in the Court of Appeal to address the legal violations he has faced since his abduction.

Maher was abducted from his home in Aden in August 2022 after STC forces raided his residence and detained him along with his brother. He was prevented from accessing the court for over a year. During his detention, he was subjected to interrogation in security facilities under inhumane conditions and claims he was forced to confess to involvement in assassinations and bombings, with these confessions being filmed and broadcast to the public.

On November 16, 2023, Maher's lawyer, Sami Yassin Marsh, was also arrested after security forces raided his office and confiscated case files, including evidence proving Maher's innocence. The lawyer remains in prison.