Geneva – SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties has expressed deep concern over the ongoing campaign of incitement, threats, and exclusion targeting journalist Mohammed Hafeez, following his media coverage of violations against internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Marib Governorate. His reports highlighted cases of forced displacement, official neglect, and the failure of relevant authorities to respond adequately to humanitarian needs.
SAM received a documented report from Hafeez stating that on June 26–28, 2025, he published several reports, statements, documents, and photographs exposing the arbitrary eviction and government disregard faced by IDPs, including the inaction of the IDP Management Authority in Marib. Following this coverage—and specifically on June 28—he was removed from the media group affiliated with the Executive Unit for IDPs, without any legal or professional justification. On the same day, he received direct warnings from colleagues in the media indicating that the IDP Management Authority had made explicit threats against him in front of other journalists.
The harassment did not stop there. On July 6, 2025, the Humanitarian Media Center informed Hafeez that the IDP Authority had demanded his exclusion from participating in a humanitarian seminar, threatening to withdraw if he attended.
SAM views these actions as part of a systematic effort to suppress journalists and silence those who dare to report on sensitive issues affecting marginalized communities. Such practices blatantly violate the core principles of press freedom and undermine the media’s role in truth-telling and holding authorities accountable.
The organization emphasized that these actions constitute a clear violation of freedom of opinion and expression and pose a serious threat to independent journalism. They also reflect a breach of the local authorities' obligations under Yemeni law and the constitution, as well as international treaties that guarantee freedom of expression—chief among them Article 19 of both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, in addition to the 1998 UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders.
SAM expressed its full solidarity with journalist Mohammed Hafeez and called on local authorities and the Executive Unit for IDPs in Marib to immediately halt all threats and retaliatory actions against him, and to ensure his and his family’s safety. The organization also demanded that he be allowed to carry out his journalistic work freely, without interference or restrictions.
SAM concluded its statement by reaffirming that the protection of freedom of expression and the rights of journalists is a fundamental pillar of any stable political environment that respects rights and promotes accountability and public debate. It warned that the continuation of such repressive practices fosters a culture of impunity, undermines the public’s right to know, and places the future of independent journalism in Yemen at serious risk.