Barran Press
The family of journalist Ahmed Maher in Aden, southern Yemen, has filed a request with the President of the Supreme Court of Yemen to transfer the trial of their son to Hadhramaut or Marib governorate.
In a statement, Maher's family explained that they sought the transfer of the trial "to ensure the safety of the trial and the procedures taken, away from any political pressure." They noted that the President of the Supreme Court had previously requested a letter from the Attorney General regarding this matter a year ago.
The family held Supreme Court Chief Justice Ali Al-A'oush "legally responsible" for the treatment of their son, demanding the formation of a legal committee to investigate the violations he has faced since his abduction and the issuance of the "invalid and illegal" verdict against him.
They asserted that they have "dozens of violations documented with official papers, which directly contradict the provisions of the law and the constitution, and the primary court has not ruled on them despite the requests and pleas submitted during the trial."
The family emphasized the need to "respect the rights of journalists and freedom of opinion and expression," urging the consideration of their son's case and the formation of a politically independent legal committee to review the requests, pleas, and illegal violations that occurred against their son, which threaten press freedom in Aden.
On May 28, 2024, the Specialized Criminal Court for Terrorism Cases (State Security Court) in Aden, declared the temporary capital of the country, issued a verdict against journalist Ahmed Maher, sentencing him to four years in prison.
The Yemeni Journalists Syndicate described the verdict as "unjust" and called for its annulment, the release of Maher, and the provision of legal guarantees for a fair trial if there are any charges.
The Syndicate stated that the verdict "carries political motives after the colleague was deprived of his right to defend himself and the trial lacked the minimum guarantees and standards of a fair trial."
In August 2022, forces affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council abducted journalist Maher from his home in Aden, along with his brother, and prevented him from reaching the court for over a year, according to human rights reports.
On May 24, 2024, 12 human rights organizations issued an urgent appeal for justice for journalist Ahmed Maher, who they said has been "arbitrarily detained" by the authorities in Aden since August 2022, "due to his journalistic activities." rights reports indicate that he was subjected to interrogation in security headquarters under unnatural conditions during his detention. He was allegedly forced to confess to charges of assassinations and bombings, and these confessions were filmed and broadcast to the public.