Yémen: le défenseur des droits humains et journaliste Abdul-Karim al-Khaiwani victime de mauvais traitements

Your Excellency,

I am deeply concerned following reports that human rights defender and journalist Abdul-Karim al-Khaiwani has been subjected to ill-treatment while in prison. Abdul-Karim al-Khaiwani is former Editor-in-Chief of the pro-democracy online publication Al-Shoura. He is a pro-democracy activist and a campaigner for the right to freedom of expression in Yemen, and was recently awarded the 2008 Amnesty International UK Special Award for Human Rights Journalism Under Threat. On 9 June 2008, Abdul Al-Khaiwani was sentenced to six years' imprisonment after being convicted by a state security court in Sana'a of conspicacy with anti-government rebels; on the basis of allegations which are believed to be fabricated.

Reports indicate that Abdul-Karim Al-Khaiwani, who suffers from diabetes and has a heart condition, is being denied access to medication and medical treatment by authorities at Sana'a central prison. He has also reportedly received threats and is subject to ill-treatment following the publication of an article written by him in several newspapers and websites. All visits have since been denied and Abdul-Karim Al-Khaiwani has reportedly had no contact with his family in the last ten days.

I believe that the trial and conviction of Abdul-Karim al-Khaiwani, and his current ill-treatment in prison, are directly related to his legitimate work in defence of human rights, in particular his work to promote democracy and the right to freedom of expression in Yemen. In view of reports of the denial of medical treatment to Abdul-Karim al-Khaiwani, I am seriously concerned for his physical and psychological integrity.

I urge the authorities in Yemen to:

1. Immediately and unconditionally release Abdul-Karim al-Khaiwani, as I believe that he is being held solely as a result of his legitimate and peaceful work in the defence of human rights;

2. Guarantee the physical and psychological integrity of Abdul-Karim al-Khaiwani while in detention, ensure that he is granted visiting rights and has access to adequate medical treatment and the necessary medication;

3. Ensure that all human rights defenders in Yemen are free to carry out their legitimate human-rights work without fear of restrictions or reprisals.

I respectfully remind you that the United Nations Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, adopted by consensus by the UN General Assembly on 9 December 1998, recognises the legitimacy of the activities of human rights defenders, their right to freedom of association and to carry out their activities without fear of reprisals.

I would particularly draw attention to Article 6 (b and c): “Everyone has the right, individually and in association with others: (b) As provided for in human rights and other applicable international instruments, freely to publish, impart or disseminate to others views, information and knowledge on all human rights and fundamental freedoms; (c) To study, discuss, form and hold opinions on the observance, both in law and in practice, of all human rights and fundamental freedoms and, through these and other appropriate means, to draw public attention to those matters”, and to Article 12 (1 and 2): “(1) Everyone has the right, individually and in association with others, to participate in peaceful activities against violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms. (2) The State shall take all necessary measures to ensure the protection by the competent authorities of everyone, individually and in association with others, against any violence, threats, retaliation, de facto or de jure adverse discrimination, pressure or any other arbitrary action as a consequence of his or her legitimate exercise of the rights referred to in the present Declaration.”

Yours sincerely,