1.11Restriction on Freedom of Expression (Art. 17, 19)
In the Arab World, Yemen was considered to be an exception in terms of its respect of freedom of expression. However, the situation has changed dramatically in the last few years, with the government resorting to restrictive provisions of domestic laws and state regulations to criminally prosecute and repress the press and the freedom of expression, especially when journalists or political opponents attempt to address ‘sensitive issues’. As one observer rightly noted, “there are subjects better left untouched by journalists who value their skins. They have learned by trial and error not to delve on four key topics: The president’s family and especially the question of whether his elder son Ahmad will succeed him; the country’s sovereignty with reference to secessionism in the south and rebellion in the north-west; religion; and military.”141
This negative tendency has intensified since May 2009, when the Supreme Judicial Council in Yemen announced the creation of a Specialized Press and Publications Court, which many journalists and human rights defenders in Yemen consider unconstitutional (see below). In addition, a draft amendment to different provisions of the penal law and a 2010 draft Law on the Organization of Private Audiovisual Media and Electronic Media will add - if approved, further restrictions on the right to freedom of expression in Yemen. 142
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