Women Journalists Without Chains (WJWC) expresses its profound alarm at the 34-year prison sentence handed down in absentia on May 2, 2025, against former Tunisian Prime Minister and Ennahda Movement Vice President Ali Laarayedh.

The abduction of prominent Yemeni singer Khalil Farhan by Houthi militants has sparked widespread international condemnation.

Women Journalists Without Chains (WJWC) reported that Farhan was seized on April 27th, 2025, in Dhamar governorate, shortly after performing patriotic songs at a wedding. His whereabouts remain unknown, and his family has been threatened.

Farhan, known for his patriotic songs and frequent performances at public events, is believed to have been targeted for his outspoken musical expression, which contradicts the Houthi militia's ideology. WJWC describes the abduction as a blatant violation of Farhan's rights to freedom, security, and artistic expression, guaranteed under international human rights law.

This incident is not an isolated case. WJWC reports a significant escalation of human rights abuses in Houthi-controlled areas, including mass abductions in Sana’a, Al Hudaydah, Sa’dah, Al Mahwit, and Dhamar. Hundreds of civilians, including activists and journalists, have been arrested on fabricated charges, such as espionage, and held in undisclosed locations. WJWC previously reported approximately 163 abductions in early April, a figure that has since risen dramatically. These arrests are often accompanied by home raids, further violating fundamental freedoms.

“The abduction of Khalil Farhan is a grave breach of international law,” stated WJWC . The organization cites violations of Articles 9 and 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as Article 2 of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. WJWC argues that the systematic nature of these abductions constitutes a crime against humanity.

The organization calls for Farhan's immediate and unconditional release and an end to the Houthi militia's campaign of repression against singers, journalists, and activists. WJWC urges the international community, including the United Nations and the UN Special Envoy to Yemen, to pressure the Houthi militia to cease these human rights violations and to conduct a transparent and independent investigation into the crimes committed. The organization emphasizes the need for accountability to prevent future impunity.

WJWC reaffirms its solidarity with Yemeni singers and its commitment to defending freedom of expression in the face of oppression. The organization's statement concludes with a strong call for an end to the systematic violations and a commitment to upholding fundamental human rights in Yemen.

As the world marks Press Freedom Day, Women Journalists Without Chains (WJWC) stands firm in its belief that press freedom is not a luxury of stable societies—it is a fundamental human right and a crucial instrument for safeguarding justice and exposing violations.

Each year on May 3, the world marks World Press Freedom Day, a moment to recognize the achievements of journalists and honor their critical role in defending rights and freedoms.

Yemeni journalist and television director Musab Abdelhafiz al-Hattami was killed on Saturday, April 26, when a mortar shell— launched by Houthi militia—struck him while covering events in southern Marib governorate, according to information gathered by Women Journalists Without Chains (WJWC).

Syrian refugees in Lebanon are facing a sharp escalation in human rights violations, including mass arrests, forced deportations, and discriminatory taxation, according to a new report by Women Journalists Without Chains (WJWC).

On April 19, 2025, security personnel from the "Security Belt" at the Farsha checkpoint in Al-Turba, southern Yemen, blocked numerous travelers from northern governorates, particularly Taiz, from entering the temporary capital, Aden.