September 08, 2007
State Department Comments on Al-Khaiwani Kidnapping
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, 2007Yemeni 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
