IFJ demands halt to bombardment of Yemen state TV offices

BRUSSELS, Sept 19 (KUNA) -- The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) Friday expressed its deep shock following disturbing reports of an ongoing bombardment by militants from the Houthi group on the offices of Yemen state TV station Al Yemen.
The IFJ in a statement demanded an immediate halt to the attack and called for those responsible to be held to account.
"We strongly condemn this appalling attack on Yemen's state media outlet," said IFJ President Jim Boumelha.
"It is a clear violation of international law and a crime against press freedom and freedom of expression. A thorough investigation must be carried out into this incident so that those responsible are held fully accountable," he said.
"We appeal to the commander of the Houthi group, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, to condemn this disgraceful attack, otherwise he will be held personally responsible for this action," added Boumhela.
The IFJ said that it will work with the Yemeni Journalists' Syndicate in the coming days to gather all the facts related to the attack and will make every effort to help ensure such an attack does not happen again.
The Brussels-based IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 134 countries. (end) nk.hs