We've been following the case of outspoken Yemeni journalist Abdulkarim al-Khawani for several weeks. After a politicized terrorism charge was thrown at him, Al-Khaiwani was then kidnapped, beaten, threatened and had his fingers broken. He recognized one of the kidnappers as one of the security officials who had previously arrested him. The kidnapping was apparently triggered by an article he wrote detailing the conditions in Yemeni prisons. The good news today is that the US issued a statement from DC noting a disturbing trend in Yemen targeting journalists and naming al-Khawani specifically. So thats a boost for the good guys.

The State Department

Press Statement
Tom Casey, Deputy Spokesman
Washington, DC
September 7, 2007

Yemeni Journalists Abducted

The recent abduction of independent Yemeni journalist Abdulkarim Al-Khaiwani points to a disturbing trend of intimidation and harassment of Yemen's journalist community. Freedom of the press and freedom of expression are cornerstones of democracy, and a plurality of voices strengthens democratic societies.

The United States urges the government of Yemen to take steps to protect all journalists from becoming victims of violence and intimidation. We further call on the government of Yemen to fully investigate this most recent abduction, as well as past abductions of journalists in Yemen, and to bring the perpetrators of these crimes to justice.

2007/738

Released on September 7, 2007

Posted by: JaneNovak at 04:27 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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