Geneva – SAM organization for Rights and Liberties stated that it had received an official complaint from journalist Abdulrahman Mohammed Abdullah Qassem Al-Humaidi, reporting that he was subjected to arbitrary detention, threats, and coercion by the Third Security Zone in Marib Governorate. The incident occurred following his publication of a post documenting an armed assault against his colleague, journalist Najm Al-Din Al-Subari.

According to the complaint, journalist Al-Humaidi was summoned on May 23, 2025, to the headquarters of the security zone, where he was forcibly detained and interrogated. He was accused of “serving the Houthi enemy” because of a video he published related to the incident. He reported that he was forced to delete the post under duress and was held for long hours without any legal justification before being released on a personal guarantee. The following day, he was summoned again and coerced into signing a commitment not to publish any matter related to Marib Governorate without prior coordination with the security authorities.

SAM affirmed that these actions constitute a grave violation of press freedom and contravene the principles of the Yemeni Constitution and national laws. They also breach Yemen’s obligations under international covenants concerning freedom of expression and the protection of human rights defenders.

SAM stressed that subjecting journalists to intimidation and pressure is a condemned and legally criminalized practice that undermines the journalistic environment and fosters a climate of fear and silence in the face of violations.

The organization called on the authorities in Marib to immediately cease such practices, ensure journalists’ safety and freedom to work, and respect the right to freely access and share information without restrictions or security interference. SAM also reaffirmed its right to pursue this case through legal channels and to document it within its ongoing human rights monitoring efforts.