Yemen: YJS documents 127 press freedom violations in 2025

The Yemeni Journalists Syndicate (YJS) has released its annual report on media freedom in Yemen for 2025, documenting 127 violations against journalists and media workers between 1 January and 31 December. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemns the ongoing targeting of journalists in Yemen and calls on all parties to end impunity and ensure that media workers are legally and economically protected.

Cars drive on a road in Aden, Yemen. Credit: Saleh Al-Obeidi / AFP

Published in early 2026, the report is made up of three sections: it documents violations of press freedom during 2025, assesses journalists' economic and employment conditions through a nationwide questionnaire, and reviews a number of significant judicial rulings issued against journalists in recent years.

Escalating violations and killings

The report reflects a continued deterioration of the environment for journalism in Yemen. This includes cases of detention, trials, salary suspensions, assaults, threats, bans on coverage and website blocking. Most alarmingly, the Yemeni Journalists Syndicate (YJS) documented the killing of 16 journalists and media workers during the year. Fourteen of those killed were affiliated with the 26 September Newspaperin Sana'a and died in an Israeli attack that reportedly claimed more than 30 lives.

Economic strain

In addition to physical threats and judicial harassment, the report paints a bleak picture of the economic situation faced by journalists. Based on responses from 213 journalists across Yemen and abroad, the YJS found widespread job insecurity, irregular or suspended salaries and a lack of written employment contracts.

Politicised trials and unjust rulings

The report highlights a number of court cases against journalists that have failed to meet fair trial standards. The report also points to the expansion of state security legislation that criminalises journalistic work.

The Yemeni Journalists Syndicate urges all parties to take immediate action to protect journalists and media workers. Key recommendations include the release of all detained journalists, halting politicised trials, annulling unjust rulings and ensuring fair legal processes. The authorities and armed groups are called upon to respect press freedom, reinstate salaries that have been withheld and provide effective legal and security protection. Media organisations are urged to offer written contracts and fair wages and to adhere to professional ethics. All stakeholders must work together to end the harassment, threats, censorship and violence that journalists face.

IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said: "The scale of violations against journalists in Yemen for carrying out their professional duties is deeply alarming. We call on all authorities and armed groups to immediately release detained journalists, end the misuse of the judiciary, ensure safe and dignified working conditions for media professionals and pay their salaries on time."

The report is supported by the Norwegian Union of Journalists through the government of Norway.

Download the YJS 2025 annual report on media freedoms in English and in Arabic.