U.S. Calls for Investigation of Yemeni Journalists' Abduction

STATEMENT BY DEPUTY STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON TOM CASEY

The recent abduction of independent Yemeni journalist Abdulkarim Al-Khaiwani points to a disturbing trend of intimidation and harassment of Yemen's journalist community. Freedom of the press and freedom of expression are cornerstones of democracy, and a plurality of voices strengthens democratic societies.

The United States urges the government of Yemen to take steps to protect all journalists from becoming victims of violence and intimidation. We further call on the government of Yemen to fully investigate this most recent abduction, as well as past abductions of journalists in Yemen, and to bring the perpetrators of these crimes to justice.