The Qatar Press Center reviewed the reality and challenges facing Yemeni journalism during a seminar held at the Nasser bin Mohammed Al Othman Hall. The event was attended by H.E. Mr. Rajeh Badi, Ambassador of the Republic of Yemen to the State of Qatar, alongside a large number of journalists, media professionals, those interested in Yemeni affairs, and representatives from the Syrian Journalists’ Club and the general public.

 

The seminar featured remarks from Mr. Saeed Thabit, Al Jazeera’s Yemen bureau chief; Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Shami, Professor of Media at Qatar University; journalist Hadeel Al-Yemani from Al Jazeera and recipient of the 2017 Courage Award; and field correspondent and author of War Selfie, Mohammed Al-Qadhi. The seminar was moderated by Yemeni broadcaster and journalist Abdul-Samad Darwish.

 

Titled “Journalism in Yemen: Challenges of Reality and Opportunities for Peace,” the seminar opened with a speech by Mr. Abdullah bin Hiyye Al-Sulaiti, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Qatar Press Center. He highlighted the center’s role in shedding light on issues related to journalism and journalists at local, regional, and global levels. This effort aligns with the center's vision to support journalists, especially in conflict and war zones, while also enriching the profession through specialized training courses.

Mr. Abdul-Samad Darwish praised the Qatar Press Center’s support for journalists in conflict zones and its efforts to spotlight their sacrifices and role in conveying the truth to the public.

 

Alarming Statistics

Mr. Saeed Thabit presented alarming figures and statistics detailing the violations Yemeni journalists face, as documented by the Yemeni Journalists Syndicate in cooperation with the International Federation of Journalists in April 2024. Over ten years of war, they recorded 2,014 violations of media freedoms, marking one of the harshest crackdowns since unification.

These included:

 

482 cases of arbitrary detention (arrest, abduction, pursuit)

46 journalist killings, including 3 women

244 physical assaults,

223 cases of threats and public incitement

212 websites blocked

175 court proceedings, including 6 death sentences

74 cases of torture in prison

165 media outlets shut down

125 journalists’ salaries suspended

41 unfair dismissals

72 cases of coverage denial

 

Thabit emphasized that Yemeni journalism has paid a heavy price—from lives lost and silenced voices to closed institutions. Over a decade of war, journalism has not only been a dangerous profession but has also become a front line where political repression and security chaos intersect and rival factions compete to control the truth.
“In such brutality,” he added, “all the journalist has left is his professional conscience—carried from prison to exile.”

 

Journalist Protection

When asked about the mechanisms the Yemeni Journalists Syndicate uses to protect journalists, Thabit responded:
“It remains the only entity that hasn’t fractured and continues to be an active member of the International Federation of Journalists. It has resisted political manipulation, although its offices were raided and confiscated in Sanaa and Aden, and its operations threatened and displaced.”

He noted the syndicate lacks executive authority. Amid national fragmentation, it documents violations accurately and applies pressure in coordination with the International Federation of Journalists—as in the case of overturning death sentences against six journalists. However, the syndicate has suffered from financial paralysis since 2013 due to the loss of official support.

 

Livelihood & Reform

Thabit stressed that protecting journalism in Yemen requires a comprehensive system including legal and syndicate support networks, funding for independent professional media platforms, and initiatives for training, safety, and mental health. He emphasized the importance of integrating media freedom into political peace negotiations.

He added that journalists need assurances that allow them to earn a living with dignity. Currently, most voices belong to militias, with no printed press and television stations shut down due to instability.

He called for rebuilding the state by restoring its independent voice and national narrative, stressing that protecting journalism isn’t a sectoral issue—it’s a core pillar of any sustainable peace initiative.

 

Academic Perspective

Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Shami highlighted that academic studies are actively documenting developments in Yemeni journalism, including satirical programming and studies on hate speech, incitement, and violence.

He noted that the current media environment suffers from arrogance and entrenched stances, where all sides have their professional journalists and armies of young activists on social media. He emphasized the need to reassess journalism’s role to support the country’s recovery, rather than focusing solely on political news.

“Journalism isn’t the cause of conflict,” he said, “but it can either facilitate peace or worsen tensions.”

 

Peace Journalism

Dr. Al-Shami asserted that bridging gaps for peace is possible through peace journalism, a concept emerging in the 1970s. He referenced Rwanda’s experience, where journalists played a major role by promoting ten principles for peace.

He called on journalists to explore alternatives to conflict-focused reporting and to shift toward topics that foster peace and unity. He also noted that only a handful of academic theses have explored these themes due to dominance by certain research schools.

He urged media faculties to support students through hands-on training in cooperation with the journalists’ syndicate and media organizations, emphasizing the importance of integrating peace journalism into curricula to support academic research.

He also highlighted the role of community radio in Yemen as a platform for peace journalism—amplifying marginalized voices and promoting understanding and coexistence.

 

Yemeni Women Journalists

When asked about the role of Yemeni women journalists, Hadeel Al-Yemani said she aimed to offer a professional and human-centric approach, focusing on women’s and children’s issues and human rights violations by various parties.

She documented abuses against male and female journalists by media institutions. Despite facing many challenges during field reporting, she acknowledged that being part of Al Jazeera provided her with tools and support that many of her colleagues lacked, placing them in danger.

 

Risk and Courage

Al-Yemani described the dangers journalists face in conflict zones, particularly in cities like Taiz under constant bombardment. Her mission demanded coordination with various parties, and she always maintained neutrality.

She emphasized the need to build strong relationships with field leaders, military units, and social figures to stay informed about violations and mitigate risks. In one instance, she was trapped for hours but escaped with help from the national army, thanks to these connections.

 

Fragile Media Systems

Al-Yemani described Yemen’s media systems as "fragile and miserable," often leaving journalists unsupported, especially freelancers. While she had access to information due to her affiliation with a global network, others risked their lives to obtain it.

She underscored the need for journalists to have security plans and agreements with field commanders to ensure safety, despite the challenges.

 

Targeting Female Journalists

Al-Yemani pointed out that journalists are the weakest link, especially women who cannot attend male-only gatherings where information is shared. She highlighted the lack of legal awareness among female journalists and the pressure exerted by media outlets.

Despite many media outlets, quality remains lacking, especially when journalists' opinions are suppressed or rights violated. She stressed that Yemeni women journalists are now being targeted, a shift from traditional norms that protected women.

 

Importance of Documentation

Journalist Mohammed Al-Qadhi emphasized the importance of documenting personal experiences during this critical period in Yemen, noting the scarcity of such literature.

He said Yemen continues repeating past mistakes because previous experiences were not studied or documented. “If we lose freedom of speech, journalism loses its value,” he warned.

 

Journalism: A Dangerous Profession

Al-Qadhi reiterated that journalism is naturally a “profession of hardship,” and in civil wars, it becomes “a profession of danger,” with journalists facing direct threats or abuse. Some journalists leave detention with permanent disabilities, and risks often extend to their families.

Accused of Treason

Al-Qadhi stressed the urgent need for peace journalism, especially in a war-torn context where journalists are often labeled as traitors, mercenaries, or enemies, facing intense pressure. He argued that journalism is facing a deliberate war to sideline it and push society toward propaganda and political praise.

He proposed that the Qatar Press Center establish a “Peace Journalism Award” and support training courses for journalists in conflict zones.

 

Documentation Initiative

The seminar concluded with a speech from Mr. Sadiq Mohammed Al-Omari, Director General of the Qatar Press Center. He announced the center’s readiness to adopt documentation projects for speakers and revealed a cooperation agreement with the Qatar Red Crescent to train journalists in conflict zones.

He emphasized that the center is committed to supporting journalists globally—not just locally—through solidarity, collaboration, and expertise exchange with various journalist unions and organizations.

Al-Omari concluded that the seminar is a practical reflection of the center’s mission to promote freedom of expression and facilitate knowledge sharing among journalists, academics, and decision-makers.