Front Line is concerned following information received regarding the arrest of human rights defenders Mr Anees Mansoor and Mr Wajdy El-Shuaiby, on 13 January 2009. Anees Mansoor is a member of the Lahaj branch of the National Organisation for Defending Rights and Freedoms “HOOD”, and a journalist for Al-ayam newspaper. Wajdy El-Shuaiby covers human rights issues as a journalist for Alwatni newspaper.

Further Information

On 13 January 2009, Anees Mansoor and Wajdy El-Shuaiby were arrested in Alhashemy Square, Aden, while covering a rally organised by forums for reconciliation and tolerance which was allegedly violently disrupted by security forces. Anees Mansoor was released on 15 January. However, his mobile telephone and his camera have not yet been returned to him after having been confiscated by prison administration.

Wajdy El-Shuaiby was reportedly detained in Al-Basateen police prison before being transferred to the criminal investigation section in Khour-Maksar, Aden. He has been allegedly ill-treated and does not have access to fresh air in his cell. Given that he suffers from asthma, Front Line is concerned for his health. He has not been allowed a visit from his father and grandparents who were allegedly asked for 2000 Rials by a prison guard in order to see him. Wajdy El-Shuaiby had also been briefly detained two weeks previously when conducting a report on poor conditions in Aljomhoria Public Hospital, Aden.

Whilst welcoming the release of Anees Mansoor, Front Line believes that the arrests of both abovementioned human rights defenders are related to their peaceful and legitimate work in the defence of human rights. Front Line is particularly concerned for the physical and psychological integrity of Wajdy El-Shuaiby while in detention.