Barran Press
The American Center for Justice (ACJ) has condemned the prosecution of nine activists and journalists by the Criminal Prosecution in Aden, who are implicated in the murder case of Brigadier General Adnan Al-Hammadi, commander of the 35th Brigade. The ACJ described this move as a "politicization of the judiciary" and a troubling sign of the decline of freedom of opinion and expression in Yemen.
In a statement reviewed by Barran Press, the center urged judicial authorities in Aden to promptly dismiss the charges against the nine individuals and to refrain from using the judiciary as a means to persecute innocent activists. The ACJ expressed deep concern over the actions of the court and specialized criminal prosecution in Aden, stating that these decisions violate legal principles and undermine judicial independence.
The ACJ noted that the prosecution's accusations of forming an armed gang were based on articles and social media posts that criticized Al-Hammadi, which they deemed incitement to murder. The center asserted that the evidence indicates Al-Hammadi's death was a criminal act committed by his brother within the confines of his home, where he was under personal guard.
"It is a blatant violation of freedoms and human rights to use the judiciary in this manner," the ACJ stated, emphasizing the serious deterioration of freedom of expression in Yemen, particularly in areas controlled by armed groups. The center reiterated its rejection of the charges, which contradict the protections afforded by the Yemeni constitution and international law regarding freedom of speech.
The ACJ highlighted Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which affirms that "everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression," and Article 6 of the Yemeni constitution, which safeguards human rights and public freedoms.
The center called on the Yemeni government and judicial authorities in Aden to eliminate the charges against the activists and to uphold human rights, allowing for independent and impartial justice. It also urged the international community and human rights organizations to closely monitor the situation in Yemen to ensure the protection of journalists, lawyers, and activists.
On October 7, the Yemeni Journalists Syndicate categorically rejected the summons of several journalists and activists to appear before the Specialized Criminal Court for Terrorism Cases in Aden, viewing it as a direct threat to press freedom in Yemen. The Syndicate expressed grave concern over this action, describing it as a severe infringement on journalists' rights to operate freely.
The court's decision includes prominent figures such as journalists Abdul Aziz Al-Majidi, Yaam Al-Sufi, and lawyer Yasser Al-Maliki, among others. The accused have reported facing a campaign of incitement that has caused significant psychological and material harm to them and their families, including death threats and online harassment.
They noted that the case has disregarded established legal protocols, undermining the principles of fair and impartial justice. Despite the establishment of a Specialized Criminal Court in Taiz, the file concerning Al-Hammadi’s case has remained in Aden, with claims of pressure preventing its transfer.
Brigadier General Adnan Al-Hammadi was assassinated in December 2019 after being shot within his home in Taiz Governorate. His brother was accused of the crime amid personal disputes but has yet to face a judicial resolution.