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Alert

Government blocks websites, harasses journalist, as elections approach

(HRinfo/IFEX) - On 11 September 2006, HRinfo condemned the blocking of independent websites and the harassment of journalists by the Yemeni government, as the 20 September presidential elections approach.

Yemeni authorities blocked the website Yemeni Council ( http://www.al-yemen.org ) and Yemen Sound ( http://www.yemen-sound.com ). The two websites are independent and enjoy a high visitor rate because they provide an important space for debate, especially among Yemeni youth.

The Yemeni Council website was blocked in early August while the Yemen Sound website was blocked in early September. The two websites have criticized the Yemeni president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, who has nominated himself as one of five candidates to run for the presidency.

On 7 September, the press and publications prosecutor summoned Khaled Al-Alwany, the chief editor of the independent newspaper "Al-Asema" ("The Capital"), for questioning without any explanation provided. The newspaper is known to be close to the Yemeni Reform Assembly Party.

Samia Al-Aghbary, a Yemeni journalist and an HRinfo volunteer, said she expressed surprise at finding that several websites that cover presidential elections news in a manner unsatisfactory to Yemeni authorities have been blocked. She added that the summoning of Khaled Al-Alwany has increased tension and reflects the authorities' bias and desire to influence the media during the elections process.

President Ali Abdullah Saleh announced in 2005 that he would not nominate himself for another term. Two months ago, however, he broke his word and decided to run for elections. Saleh has ruled for 27 years. If he wins the coming elections, he will serve another seven years, thus extending his tenure as ruler to 35 years.

HRinfo condemns the blocking of these websites as a violation of the right to exchange information. It condemns any measures taken to restrict press freedom. HRinfo demands that the Yemeni authorities immediately lift the blockade on these websites and that they refrain from harassing journalists.