U.S. Embassy Urges Respect for Press Freedom in Yemen

PRESS RELEASES

Sana'a- Mar 2, 2011- The United States Embassy in Sana'a has watched with concern recent infringements of press freedom in Yemen. This includes blocking Al-Masdar's website from being viewed within Yemen, which was also condemned by the Yemeni Journalists Syndicate, in addition to threats of deporting correspondents, and mistreatment of journalists covering protests.

The U.S. Embassy considers freedom of the press as the primary instrument for the public to hold its government accountable and to make its own views known. Responsible and independent media perform an essential function in a democratic society. The Embassy calls on the Yemeni government to demonstrate its respect for the role of independent media as stipulated by Yemen's constitution and laws by taking immediate, concrete steps to ensure that the media can operate in Yemen freely, securely, and without government interference.