The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today urged Yemen’s President to dismiss terrorism charges against journalist A. Karim Al Khaiwani who is facing trial after he received photographs of a remote region closed to journalists from a supporter of a group that the government considers violent.

“By dismissing this case, you will send a clear message that independent journalism is protected by your administration and that journalists can cover the news without fear of facing charges in connection with their reporting,” IFJ General Secretary Aidan White said in a letter to President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

Al Khaiwani is awaiting trial on terrorism charges stemming from his contact with the a supporter of Zaidi-Shiite Leader Badr al-Deen al-Houthi in Saada, who gave him some photographs of the remote region that has been the location of fighting between the government and al-Houthi’s group.

Al Khaiwani is a well-known journalist who has been critical of the government in the past.

The IFJ is backing its affiliate, the Yemen Journalists’ Syndicate, in its support of Mr. Al Khaiwani and its call that the charges against him are dropped.

Click here to read the release in Arabic.

For more information contact the IFJ at +32 2 235 2207
The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 120 countries worldwide