IFJ Condemns Death Threats against Al-Jazeera Journalist in Yemen

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has urged the Yemeni authorities to guarantee the safety of beleaguered journalists in the country following death threats made against Murad Hashem, Al-Jazeera's bureau chief in Yemen. "This kind of intimidation must be met with resolve and clear purpose to defeat the enemies of press freedom," said Jim Boumelha, IFJ President. "The authorities must take any threat to journalists seriously and act to prevent any harm coming to them."According to the Yemeni Journalists Syndicate (YJS), a telephone call was made to the Al-Jazeera office in Sana'a, on Saturday 25 July during which the caller warned that the bureau chief would soon be killed in an attack on his home. The YJS has also accused some politicians and officials, including members of the Southern Movement and of Parliament in Yemen of engaging in a public campaign to demonise Al-Jazeera television network that further threatens their safety."These attacks on independent media do a disservice to democracy in Yemen ," added Boumelha. "Those who encourage violence against journalists will be held responsible for any attacks that may ensue."The IFJ has recently denounced the escalating harassment of media in Yemen , including the detention of journalists, armed attacks on media houses and court cases which have targeted independent media in an attempt to suppress independent reporting.