Abductees’ Mothers Association condemns the verdict issued against journalist Ahmed Maher by the Specialized Criminal Court in Aden, which sentenced him to four years in prison. It is noteworthy that journalist Ahmed Maher was arrested on August 6, 2022, by the security forces affiliated with the Transitional Council on charges of spreading false information and forging documents.
While we denounce these verdicts, we affirm that the continued issuance of such verdicts without legal justifications is a flagrant violation of freedom of the press and human rights, a dangerous escalation in the suppression of freedom of expression on false charges and legally unjustified verdicts, and even contradicts Yemen’s international obligations in the field of human rights.
We call on the legitimate government to stop these violations and arbitrary practices against journalist Ahmed Maher, and to work for his immediate release and the annulment of all sentences issued against him.
We also demand to guarantee freedom of the press and expression and to protect journalists and activists from any form of threat, intimidation, or arbitrary arrest.
Freedom of the press is the cornerstone of any democratic society, and any violation of this freedom is a violation of the right to knowledge, transparency, and justice. We emphasize our commitment to international human rights standards, respect for the charters and agreements that guarantee freedom of expression and protect journalists, and declare our full solidarity with journalist Ahmed Maher and all journalists who face injustice and oppression, and we renew our commitment to stand with them in defending their rights and dignity.
Issued by Abductees’ Mothers Association. June 9th, 2024.
