Yemen: CFWIJ demands unconditional release of journalist Hala Fuad Badhawi
Location: Yemen, Hadramout
Date: January 6, 2022
Freelance journalist Hala Fuad Badhawi was arrested and detained in the city of Mokalla by state authorities. No charges have currently been brought forth as Hala remains in custody. Reportedly, Hala's reportage on local corruption is what prompted her arrest in a display of blatant overreach by the Yemeni state.
The arrest and subsequent detention of freelance digital journalist Hala Fuad Badhawi came to light through private Yemeni media as well as her own Facebook post dated December 30, 2021. According to Hala she was detained by intelligence officials who also confiscated her property, including her bag and phone without warrant. Hala remains in state custody even though no formal charges against the journalist have been brought forth yet, making it appear a clear case of state intimidation.
Hala reports on municipality corruption in the province of Hadramout, where although affiliated with the internationally recognized Yemeni government, state offices act with considerable autonomy. Hala's main audience comprises upwards of 8000 followers on her Facebook page where she regularly posts about negligence and irregularities in local government.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is extremely concerned about Hala's detention and the circumstances in which it came about. Since no criminal charges have been brought forth and no warrants were issued for her arrest, this long detention period is unjustifiable. The incident appears to be a blatant case of press repression by a local government uneasy with a journalist demanding accountability. Hala should, thus, be immediately released and her property should be restored to her.
The CFWIJ strongly condemns the police brutality against journalists. We demand the immediate return of the press cards seized from the security forces. Policies to intimidate journalists should be abandoned, and journalism should be practiced under the criteria of freedom of the press.
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