Geneva - SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties expressed deep concern over the referral of journalist Mohammed Al-Miyahi to trial before the Specialized Criminal Court, stressing that this court is exceptional in nature and lacks the fundamental guarantees of a fair trial as stipulated by international standards.

The organization pointed out that the continued use of this court to try civilians—especially journalists and opinion holders—constitutes a blatant violation of Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Article 10 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, both of which guarantee the right to a fair trial before a competent, independent, and impartial judge.

SAM noted that such politically motivated trials undermine the independence of the judiciary and contribute to the silencing of voices and restriction of freedoms. It emphasized that trying journalists before courts lacking proper jurisdiction poses a serious threat to press freedom in Yemen.

The organization explained that while the public nature of the trial is a positive step in form, it remains insufficient unless accompanied by the core elements of a fair trial—most notably, judicial independence, lawful court formation, impartiality of judges, and the assurance that the judiciary is not being used as a tool for political retaliation.

SAM stressed the urgent need to halt all politically driven legal proceedings that target freedom of expression, and called for the immediate and unconditional release of journalist Mohammed Al-Miyahi. The organization urged that he be granted all his legal rights, including the right to defense and protection from any pressures or interference that could compromise judicial independence.

In conclusion, SAM reaffirmed that freedom is a fundamental right, and that an exceptional court cannot serve as a platform for justice. It called on local and international human rights organizations, as well as journalists’ unions, to monitor the trial proceedings and actively contribute to securing the release of Mohammed Al-Miyahi and ending the systematic violations against press freedom in Yemen.