The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today congratulated Yemeni journalist Abdelkarim Al Khaiwani winner of Amnesty International's "Sepcial Award for Human Rights Journalism Under Threat" and renewed its call for journalist organisations around the world to support Al Khaiwani as he challenges a six-year jail sentence handed down by the state security court.

"Abdul Karim is one our members and a very special member too," said IFJ President Jim Boumelha "He is one of those rare breed of journalists, some of the bravest and the most determined - those who are prepared to sacrifice their personal and professional lives for the public good. Abdul Karim is convinced that standing up to bullies and having to face up torture and imprisonment can make the difference."

The award was presented by BBC Journalist Alan Johnston, who was kidnapped in Gaza last year. Boumelha accepted the award on Al Khaiwani's behalf in London on Tuesday at the 17th Amnesty International Media Awards attended by 400 journalists, writers, photographers, broadcasters and other media executives.

"The independent opposition press, one of the most important instruments for peaceful change and democratic reform, is operating in a tough and precarious environment, especially in the absence of an independent judiciary, lack of respect for the rule of law, widespread corruption and the government control/monopoly over TV and radio," Al Khaiwani wrote in a speech that Boumelha read at the awards ceremony.

"The IFJ and the international community of journalists are grateful that Amnesty is recognising the contribution made by Abdul Karim," Boumelha said. "But this should go further that supporting the steadfastness and courage of one journalist battling against his tormentors. It should also be a recognition through him of all the struggles and all the sacrifices made by many journalists and others to advance freedom, justice, democracy and human rights in Yemen and the rest of the Arab World."

The IFJ says that the punitive sentence handed down against Al Khaiwani is not justified by the meagre evidence laid against him and is a sign that the authorities are trying to intimidate journalists over reporting of sensitive security issues. The IFJ says Al Khaiwani's case must be reviewed and allegations against him should be substantiated by evidence that can be tested in open court. Meanwhile, he should be released from jail immediately pending an appeal and review of the proceedings.

The IFJ has also fears over the physical condition of Al Khaiwani. "An additional concern for us is Mr Al Khaiwani's poor health and we urge the President also on humanitarian grounds to secure his release so that he can receive the medical care he needs," IFJ General Secretary Aidan White said in a recent letter to Yemeni President Ali Abdallah Saleh.

The IFJ has launched a campaign calling on its member unions to send letters of protest over Al Kaiwani's unfair conviction to President Saleh.

For more information contact the IFJ at +32 2 235 2207

The IFJ represents over 600,00 journalists in 122 countries worldwide