Whoever would overthrow the liberty of a nation, must
begin by subduing the freedom of speech. – Cato
Middle East & North Africa
Yemen
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| IREX Score: 1.29 | [IREX Methodology] |
| {Higher is Better, Score Ranges from 0 to 4.00} |
IREX Description:
In 2008, the political, economic, social, and media situations in the Republic of Yemen did not change dramatically from the previous year. The first serious, competitive presidential elections in September 2006 represented a turning point in Yemeni politics, as the opposition (the Joint Meeting Parties) threw all its weight behind its candidate in an attempt to win the presidency. Given the media’s role shaping public opinion in these elections, parties and individuals worked to establish their own media outlets. The Ministry of Information, responsible for issuing media licenses, suddenly faced a heavy stack of applications. Some political organizations and investors expressed their intent to start satellite television channels outside the country, as the current law bars the independent establishment of satellite channels in Yemen.
Signs of social activism emerged in 2008 as well, including public demands for greater press freedoms and ensuring that any interested party, organization, or individual can operate a broadcast or print media outlet. These pressures forced the Ministry of Information to partially lift the ban on issuing licenses for new newspapers and magazines. Although the ministry rejected 68 applications, 34 press outlets managed to start up. Conditions will likely intensify as the parliamentary elections of April 2009 approach.
| Freedom House Score: 83 (Not Free) | [Freedom House Methodology] |
| {Lower is Better, Score Ranges from 0 to 100} |
| RSF Score: 82.13 | [RSF Methodology] |
| {Lower is Better, Score Ranges from 0 to ~120} |
Reporters Without Borders Description:
The authorities stepped up control over the media in 2009, imposing a news blackout on military offensives in the north and south of the country. Secretary General of the Yemeni journalists’ union, Marwan Damaj said, “Yemen is witnessing one of the darkest developments in press freedom since 1990.”
| Committee to Protect Journalists Description: | [What is the Committee to Protect Journalists?] |
Continuing a steady years-long decline, Yemen became one of the most repressive countries in the region for the press. Journalists covering clashes in the country’s restive south faced severe restrictions. Government repression reached its peak in May, when at least eight newspapers that had covered violent protests were barred from distribution, several papers faced criminal charges, and one paper came under direct attack from state security agents. Government officials established a special court for perceived news media offenses.
| IFEX News: | [What is IFEX?] |
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