Al-Alimi affirms the state's commitment to protecting journalists and freedom of expression
Dr. Rashad Muhammad al-Alimi, Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council in Yemen, affirmed the state's firm and principled commitment to protecting press freedom and guaranteeing the right to expression as a fundamental pillar of democratic practice and the restoration of state institutions. This affirmation underscores the paramount importance the political leadership places on the media and press sector, recognizing it as the fourth estate and an active partner in the battle for awareness and national development.
Speaking about the pivotal role of the press, Al-Alimi noted that national media outlets are playing a heroic role during this exceptional period in Yemen's history by documenting facts, exposing violations, and conveying the suffering of citizens to the world. He explained that Yemeni journalists have paid a heavy price during the years of war, facing grave dangers ranging from arrest and persecution to even sacrificing their lives in the pursuit of truth. This necessitates that the state provide them with all forms of protection and support to ensure their continued ability to fulfill their noble mission.
Historically and politically, the media landscape in Yemen has faced unprecedented challenges since the outbreak of the conflict. The infrastructure of media institutions has been destroyed, and the political and partisan life that once fostered journalistic pluralism has been decimated. In this context, the Presidential Leadership Council's assurances offer renewed hope for repairing the relationship between the government and the press, and underscore the necessity of unifying media discourse to serve the country's best interests, moving beyond the infighting that undermines national unity in the face of current challenges.
From a human rights and international perspective, Al-Alimi stressed the need to respect international conventions related to human rights and freedom of expression, affirming that the state will spare no effort in working to release kidnapped and forcibly disappeared journalists and to hold accountable all those who attack journalists. This stance reinforces the image of the legitimate government before the international community and human rights organizations, which have long called for the protection of journalists from armed conflicts and the provision of a safe environment for journalistic work.
Al-Alimi concluded his statement by emphasizing that the partnership between the state and the press is an indispensable strategic partnership, calling on media institutions to adopt a responsible discourse that promotes the values of tolerance and coexistence, and rejects the language of hatred and incitement, in order to contribute to creating the atmosphere for achieving the comprehensive and just peace that all the people of Yemen aspire to.
