The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today called for the immediate release of Yemeni journalist Abdelkarim Al Khaiwani who is challenging a six-year jail sentence handed down by the state security court yesterday.

The IFJ says that this punitive sentence 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.

"In our view Mr Al Khaiwani has been punished for his journalism and we fear that it is a deliberate decision to make an example of him and to deter other journalists from reporting on security affairs," said IFJ General Secretary Aidan White in a letter to Yemen's President Ali Abdallah Saleh.

The court announced its verdict yesterday without providing any explanation of the crime that he allegedly committed beyond the general charges of "terrorism." The prosecution failed to make any direct link between Al Khaiwani and armed groups active in the Yemen beyond his possession of photos that he received through an intermediary and that he required for his journalistic reports on the security threat to Yemen.

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 phsyical 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," White said.

Click here to read the full letter from IFJ General Secretary Aidan White.

Click here for a template letter you can modify and send to the President Saleh.

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

The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 120 countries worldwide