Women Journalists Without Chains (WJWC) has condemned the abduction of Yemeni journalist Mohammed Dabwan Al-Mayahy by Houthi militia members in Sana'a on September 20, 2024.

The organization demands his immediate release and calls for an end to the ongoing crackdown on press freedom in Yemen.

According to WJWC, Houthi militia members stormed Al-Mayahy's home, confiscating his phone and computer before taking him to an unknown location. His Facebook account was deleted hours later, leaving his fate uncertain.

This incident is part of a disturbing trend of violence and intimidation against journalists in Yemen. Since the Houthi militia seized control of state institutions in 2015, they have systematically undermined press freedoms, subjecting journalists to killings, torture, enforced disappearances, kidnappings, and displacement.

In recent months, the Houthi militia has intensified its crackdown on journalists and media activists, targeting individuals for their critical writings and opinions on social media. The abduction of Al-Mayahy represents a blatant violation of human rights and the freedoms of expression and press, as enshrined in international charters and treaties.

WJWC expresses its full solidarity with Al-Mayahy and calls for his immediate release, along with that of all kidnapped and detained journalists, activists, and politicians. The organization holds the Houthi militia fully accountable for Al-Mayahy's life and safety.

WJWC urges civil society and human rights organizations to condemn the arrest of Al-Mayahy, the raid on his home, and the confiscation of his belongings. The organization calls for immediate pressure on the Houthi militia to disclose his fate, release him and all those abducted, and cease the targeting and harassment of journalists and media professionals.

Released by:

Women Journalists Without Chains

September 21, 2024