The International Press Institute (IPI) was pleased to learn that members of a reporting crew sent by Al Jazeera Arabic to cover the armed conflict in Yemen who were kidnapped 10 days ago have been freed.
The broadcaster yesterday reported the release of journalist Hamdi al-Bokari and cameraman Abdulaziz al-Sabri, who with driver Moneer al-Sabai had last been seen on the night of Jan. 18 while covering clashes between Houthi rebels and government forces near Taiz.
The identity of the kidnappers remains unclear, but according to a post on Hamdi al-Bokari’s personal profile on Facebook, they might have been Houthi fighters.
IPI Director of Advocacy and Communications Steven M. Ellis welcomed the news.
“We are happy to learn that these missing journalists have been released”, he said. “However, we call once again on all actors in this conflict to note that even in these extreme circumstances they must respect the role of the media and allow journalists to report the news unhindered, and without fear of harm or abduction.”
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Al Jazeera crew reported kidnapped in Yemen
Security situation for journalists in country further deteriorates
VIENNA, Jan 22, 2016 – The International Press Institute (IPI) today expressed deep concern for members of a reporting crew on assignment for Al Jazeera who the broadcaster believes were kidnapped in Yemen earlier this week.
Al Jazeera said that one of its correspondents, Hamdi al-Bokari, was last seen Monday night while covering clashes between rebels and pro-government forces near the southwestern city of Taiz. Al-Bokari was accompanied by a second journalist, Abdulaziz al-Sabri, and their driver, Moneer al-Sabai, according to reports.
The Doha-based network added that it had “indications” that the three men had been kidnapped and called for their release. “Our colleagues were simply doing their job of reporting the story and informing the world on what is taking place in Yemen,” Al Jazeera Media Network Acting Director General Mostefa Souag said in a statement. “Al Jazeera holds their abductors responsible for their safety and security.”
“The security situation for journalists in Yemen is extremely serious and we are greatly concerned by reports of the kidnapping of three members of Al Jazeera’s reporting team there,” IPI Executive Director Barbara Trionfi said. “We urge their immediate release and call on all parties in the current Yemeni conflict to respect the role of the media to deliver information to the national and international public.”
Yemen is currently embroiled in a civil war that pits forces loyal to President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, although various groups with distinct aims are additionally involved.
The country has become increasingly dangerous for journalists over the past year. Six journalists were killed in Yemen in 2015, according to IPI’s Death Watch. Four alone were killed in airstrikes by Saudi Arabia; a fifth journalist was fatally wounded while covering the conflict and a sixth died in a bomb explosion apparently set off by Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.
Journalist safety will be a key topic at IPI’s upcoming World Congress in Doha from March 19-21. Under the title “Journalism and Risk”, the programme will examine safety-related developments in the Middle East region and across the globe.
