WAN-IFRA Condemns Killing of Yemeni Journalist

WAN-IFRA Condemns Killing of Yemeni Journalist

The World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) and the World Editors Forum have condemned the murder of journalist Mohammed Shu'i Al-Rabu'I in Yemen and called on the government to quickly investigate and prosecute the case.

"We are seriously concerned at the worsening situation of press freedom in your country," WAN-IFRA and WEF said in a letter to President Ali Abdullah Saleh. "In recent months several newspapers have been closed and at least four journalists have been jailed. Mr Al-Rabu'i is the first journalist to have been murdered since North and South Yemen merged in 1990."

Mr Al-Rabu'i, a correspondent for several publications including the newspaper Al-Qahira, was shot at his home on 13 February. Reports suggest that the murderers may have been gang members angered by Mr Al-Rabu'i¹s coverage of gang activities, and several men have been arrested.

WAN-IFRA called on President Ali Abdullah Saleh to do everything possible to ensure that Mr Al-Rabu'i¹s murder is quickly investigated and prosecuted.
Doing so would send a clear message ³that those who kill, attack or intimidate journalists can not do so with impunity.

The full letter can be read at http://www.wan-press.org/article18409.html

ENDS

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