The Abductees’ Mothers Association and the Justice for Yemen Pact organized a protest on Sunday morning, gathering journalists and human rights defenders to condemn the sentence issued against journalist Ahmed Maher. They called for his immediate and unconditional release and the annulment of the verdict.
During the protest in front of the Taiz Governorate campus, the association denounced the decision by the Specialized Criminal Court in Aden, which sentenced Maher to four years in prison following a two-year detention by security forces of the Transitional Council. Maher was accused of spreading false information and forging documents.
The association, journalists, and activists criticized the issuance of such sentences without legal justification, describing it as a blatant violation of press freedom and human rights. They emphasized that this escalation in suppressing freedom of expression with unfounded charges and unjustified sentences contradicts Yemen’s international human rights commitments.
The association urged the legitimate government to stop these violations and arbitrary actions against Ahmed Maher, halt measures that threaten freedom of expression, and release Maher while annulling all charges against him. They also called for the protection of journalists and activists from threats, intimidation, or arbitrary detention, stressing that press freedom is the cornerstone of any democratic society. Violations of this freedom undermine the right to knowledge, transparency, and justice.
The association reaffirmed the importance of all conflict parties adhering to international human rights standards and respecting treaties and agreements that ensure freedom of expression and the protection of journalists.
During the protest, the association, journalists, and activists expressed their full solidarity with Ahmed Maher and all journalists facing oppression, renewing their commitment to defend their rights and dignity.