**For background to other concerns, see IFEX alert dated 11 June 1996** The IFJ is concerned by the obstacles which have been placed on the printing of “Al Tajamoo”. “Al Tajamoo” reportedly first had its distribution blocked directly by the authorities as a result of an article which was to appear about recent clashes between […]
**For background to other concerns, see IFEX
alert dated 11 June 1996**
The IFJ is concerned by the obstacles which have been placed on
the printing of “Al Tajamoo”.
“Al Tajamoo” reportedly first had its distribution blocked
directly by the authorities as a result of an article which was to
appear about recent clashes between citizens and the security
forces in the southern city of Mukalla. Public demonstrations
began over three weeks ago after the Prosecutor of the governorate
of Hadramout, of which Mukalla is the capital, called all women in
Hadramout prostitutes following court testimony given by an
alleged rape victim (see IFEX alert). Since the author of the
article refused to make changes requested by the government, the
paper was blocked.
Subsequent to the authorities’ actions, the government-owned 14th
October Printing Press, which prints “Al Tajamoo”, refused to
print the paper. If the 14th October Printing Press does not
resume printing and “Al Tajamoo” is forced to find another
printer, the paper will have to make a new application for a
publishing license and could be out of circulation for some time.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the President of Yemen:
printing press to print the paper are direct attacks on freedom of
the press in Yemen
resumes publication of “Al Tajamoo” and that all forms of
censorship cease forthwith
Appeals To
His Excellency Ali Abdullah Saleh
President
Sanaa, Republic of Yemen
Fax: +967 1 262 017
Please copy appeals to the originator if possible.