Yemeni Journalist Abduljabar Bajabeer Arrested Amid Crackdown in Hadramout

July 29, 2025 – Yemen –

Yemeni authorities in the eastern governorate of Hadramout arrested journalist Abduljabar Bajabeer on July 16, 2025, marking the latest incident in a growing campaign of repression against independent voices in the region. Bajabeer, a well-known columnist and writer, was detained in the city of Mukalla by the Hadramout Intelligence Service. No official charges were announced at the time of his arrest, and his whereabouts and legal status remain undisclosed, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Bajabeer has worked as a freelance journalist and commentator, regularly contributing opinion columns to local news platforms. His recent writings focused on governance issues, corruption, and calls for public accountability in Hadramout. Colleagues believe his arrest may be directly linked to a recent column in which he criticized regional authorities and warned of deteriorating civil freedoms.

According to local media reports and human rights monitors, Bajabeer’s arrest was carried out without a formal warrant. The CPJ has raised concern over the secrecy surrounding his detention and called on Yemeni authorities to either release him immediately or disclose credible legal charges. The organization emphasized that imprisoning journalists without due process violates international standards and contributes to an already chilling environment for press freedom in Yemen.

Yemen has long been one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists. Multiple authorities operate across different regions, and each has targeted the press to silence dissent. In Hadramout, the local government has previously been accused of using intelligence forces to intimidate and detain critical journalists.

Bajabeer’s arrest follows a broader pattern of suppression across Yemen, where independent media faces increasing restrictions. CPJ and other watchdog groups have warned that arbitrary detentions, threats, and disappearances are making it nearly impossible for journalists to operate safely.

As of late July, there has been no official statement from Hadramout authorities regarding Bajabeer’s case. Press freedom advocates are urging the international community to monitor the situation and demand accountability for those targeting journalists.

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Yemeni journalist Abduljabar Bajabeer arrested amid crackdown in Hadramout