Front Line is 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 conspiracy with anti-government rebels; on the basis of allegations which are believed to be fabricated.

Further Information

Posted 21/08/2008 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.

Front Line believes 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, Front Line is seriously concerned for his physical and psychological integrity.