Geneva – SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties said it is deeply concerned about the summoning and harassment of several journalists in Wadi Hadhramaut over their media work, considering such actions a serious violation of press freedom and the journalists’ right to perform their professional duties without fear or intimidation. The organization affirmed that the recurrence of such practices reflects a worrying trend toward restricting journalistic work, at a time when freedom of the press should be safeguarded as a fundamental right guaranteed by Yemeni law, the constitution, and international conventions.

SAM received a report from the correspondents of Yemen Shabab, Belqees, and Al-Mahriya TV channels in Wadi Hadhramaut — Abdullah Moamen, Haddad Mosaid, and Abdulmajid Bakhreisa — stating that they had received summonses from the security authorities in Seiyun, following a complaint filed by the Seiyun General Hospital Authority, represented by its director general. The complaint came after the journalists aired television reports covering the partial strike announced by the medical and health unions on September 14, 2025.

The organization pointed out that the media coverage was carried out in response to an official invitation from the medical and health unions, as part of the journalists’ legitimate right to report events objectively and transparently. It emphasized that what happened constitutes a serious infringement on media freedom and an attempt to silence professional voices striving to present the truth to the public.

SAM noted that such practices indicate a troubling decline in the state of press freedom and represent a clear violation of international conventions that guarantee freedom of opinion and expression. The organization stressed the importance of respecting journalism as an independent watchdog authority that contributes to uncovering facts and promoting transparency and accountability.

The organization called on the local and security authorities in Seiyun to immediately halt any practices that restrict media freedom and to ensure the safety of the three journalists and their right to work without harassment. It also urged the Yemeni Journalists Syndicate and international organizations concerned with press freedom to follow up on the case and exert pressure to put an end to these recurring violations.