The International Press Institute (IPI), the global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in over 120 countries, condemns the six-year sentence imposed on Abdelkarim Al-Khaiwani, former editor-in-chief of the Al-Shoura newspaper, in Yemen.
According to information before IPI, on 9 June a Yemeni State Security Court sentenced Al-Khaiwani to six years in prison, for allegedly belonging to an anti-government rebel group and planning attacks against Yemeni civilians and government forces. The official charge brought against him in 2007, was for publishing information liable to undermine army morale, under article 126 of the Yemeni criminal code. Al-Khaiwani was convicted along with 13 other individuals. He was taken to Sanaa’s central prison immediately after sentencing. Reports indicate that Al-Khaiwani intends to file an appeal.
Al-Khaiwani was arrested and jailed for nine months on similar charges in 2004 for publishing articles critical of the state and the Yemeni President, Ali Abdullah Saleh, on the Al-Shoura website, which is closely affiliated with the opposition Popular Forces Union Party. In 2007, he was held in custody for one month, before being released due to his ailing health. Amnesty International has nominated Al-Khaiwany for the Special Award for Human Rights Journalism under Threat for his coverage of the clashes in northwestern Yemen.
IPI Director David Dadge commented, “Al-Khaiwany has been targeted for his critical reporting in the past, calling into question the real motives behind his conviction and lengthy sentence. We urge the appellate courts to objectively review his case to ensure that Al-Khaiwany does not remain imprisoned simply for daring to speak out against the government.”