RWB "deeply concerned" by Houthi attacks on journalists in Yemen

PARIS, Aug 28 (KUNA) -- International press freedom group Reporters Without Borders (RWB) on Friday said it was "deeply concerned" by increasing attacks on journalists in Yemen, where seven press professionals have died in four months of fighting.
In a statement, RWB particularly pinpointed the Houthi rebels for harassing and kidnapping a large number of journalists and press workers and for repressing any criticism of their rebel action.
The Houthis, RWB said, are holding hostage 11 journalists and have kidnapped and released some others who have criticised them. Other parties in the conflict were also criticized for their actions against the press, but it was the Houthis that were fingered as the worst offenders.
"The largest part of the abuses against journalists are committed by the Houthis," RWB said in a statement, noting that currently "at least 11 journalists and bloggers remain in the hands of this group." Nine of the journalists were detained by the Houthis at the same time June 9 in a hotel in the capital Sanaa.
"The abuses against journalists by all parties in the conflict in Yemen have multiplied since the progression of the Houthis towards the capital (several months ago)," RWB said.
"The systematic kidnapping of journalists critical of the Houthis clearly shows the willingness of this rebel group to impose its power and reduce to silence all opposition," the statement added, warning all sides in the conflict that attacking journalists was a violation of the Geneva Conventions and was a War Crime. (end) jk.hb