RSF relieved by announced release of 41 journalists
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is relieved by the reported release of the 41 journalists and employees of the Al Yemen Al Youm TV channel who had been held by Houthi rebels in Sanaa since 2 December.
They were freed yesterday evening in still unclear circumstances. According to the Houthi-controlled Yemeni news agency, Supreme Political Council president Saleh Al Sammad issued the release order in consultation with the Houthi rebel government's information minister.
"We are relieved to learn that this TV channel's journalists and staff are now free but we continue to be concerned about the pressure to which they have been subjected and will no doubt continue to be subjected," said Alexandra El Khazen, the head of RSF's Middle East desk.
"We remind everyone that journalists must not be targeted in his conflict, and we ask the Houthi rebels to also free the 11 other journalists they are holding in their prisons."
According to RSF's information, the Houthis freed Al Yemen Al Youm's journalists and allowed the TV channel to resume broadcasting in Sanaa on condition that the Houthis receive favourable coverage.
Yemen
