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October 28, 2025 – Yemen –
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has called on the Houthis to immediately release Yemeni journalist Majed Zayed and writer Oras Al‑Iryani, both of whom have been missing since late September following their arrests in the capital, Sana’a.
According to the IFJ, Zayed—a freelance contributor to several independent outlets in Yemen—was seized on September 23 while leaving a medical center in Sana’a. Al-Iryani was abducted the day before, apparently in connection with his public commentary mocking social and political conditions under Houthi rule. Both detentions occurred amid a broader crackdown by the Houthis ahead of the 26 September Revolution Day anniversary, which the group does not observe.
The IFJ, joined by its Yemeni affiliate Yemeni Journalists Syndicate (YJS), described the abductions as “a flagrant violation of freedom of expression and of the rights of the press.” They emphasized that neither journalist has been charged or afforded legal transparency and demanded immediate information on their whereabouts and safety.
IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger commented that “the abduction of journalist Majed Zayed and writer Oras Al-Iryani is an outrageous attack on the fundamental principles of freedom of expression and human dignity.”
The incident highlights the dangers faced by media professionals in Yemen, especially within Houthi-controlled territory, where independent reporting is severely constrained. It underlines the absence of safeguarding mechanisms and due process for detained journalists and writers. Press freedom observers say the case adds to a long list of arbitrarily held media workers in Yemen, many of whom remain in detention without formal charges or oversight.
The IFJ is urging not just the release of Zayed and Al-Iryani but all journalists unjustly detained in Yemen. The statement calls on all armed actors and de facto authorities in the country to uphold international norms protecting media workers and to end the use of detention as a tool to silence critical voices.
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