Barran Press
Aden, Yemen – On Saturday, November 23, 2024, Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmad Awad bin Mubarak directed the cancellation of any measures aimed at curtailing the activities of the Yemeni Journalists' Union. He emphasized the historical significance of this professional organization, which was established in 1976.
In a statement reported by the official Yemeni news agency Saba, Bin Mubarak urged all ministries and government agencies to uphold freedom of expression and ensure journalists have access to information. This, he noted, is essential for supporting government efforts and providing constructive criticism to address existing issues.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting freedoms, including freedom of expression, and rejected any form of press oppression. He also highlighted the role of the media in combating corruption, stating that it is a priority for the government and that the press is a crucial partner in this endeavor.
Bin Mubarak expressed his hope that journalists would focus on providing objective, constructive criticism based on public interest, praising their national role in the fight to restore the state and end the Iranian-backed Houthi coup.
This directive comes after the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor previously ordered the suspension of the Journalists' Union's activities in Aden, which is under the military control of the Southern Transitional Council. A document issued by the ministry's office cited the union's failure to correct its legal status since Aden was declared the capital.
The ministry noted earlier directives to halt activities of unauthorized unions in Aden until their legal status is rectified. The union has been accused of operating unlawfully in liberated areas and failing to relocate its headquarters to Aden or hold elections under the ministry's supervision.
On November 16, the Yemeni Journalists' Union condemned the suspension as a form of repression, claiming it fits a systematic targeting strategy that began with the control of the union's headquarters in the early months of the war and continued with a raid last year.
In its statement, the union described the recent actions as unconstitutional, threatening union leaders and undermining basic rights and freedoms recognized in democratic societies. The union vowed to defend its legal status and called on security authorities in Aden to protect its leaders and restore its headquarters.