The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the August 16 arrest of Yemen News Agency journalist Hamoud Hazz’a after security forces raided his home in Al-Jufaina camp, Marib Governorate, confiscated his mobile phone and laptop, and took him to an undisclosed location without legal justification.

Before his arrest, Hazz’a warned in an August 16 Facebook post that security personnel were stationed outside his home. He later posted that the Fourth Security Zone force had broken down his door, frightening his family. 

Hazz’a was later transferred from political security detention to military prosecution and brought before military courts. Authorities cited his registration in the Department of Defense as reason for his arrest, National Organization of Yemeni Reporters CEO Yousef Hazeb told CPJ via messaging app. A security official also told local media that Hazz’a’s status as a second lieutenant in the National Defense Service Department of the Yemeni Armed Forces prompted the transfer.

“Hazz’a’s case shows how press freedom is deteriorating in areas controlled by the internationally recognized government,” said CPJ Regional Director Sara Qudah. “The exploitation of his honorary military status to justify military court proceedings is clearly an attempt to silence him. He should be released immediately.”

The Yemeni Journalists’ Syndicate noted that displaced journalists who escaped Houthi-controlled areas are often assigned honorary military ranks or benefits in exchange for media work. The syndicate called on authorities to stop exploiting journalists’ circumstances and to respect freedom of expression.

Hazz’a has previously informed several press freedom organizations, including the Yemen News Agency, that he has faced online threats and incitement due to his social media commentary on Marib’s local government.

CPJ contacted the Yemeni embassy in Washington for an update on Hazz’a’s whereabouts but received no immediate response.