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.

Front Line is concerned following reports of the abduction of the human rights defender and journalist Abdul-Karim Al-Khaiwani in Sana'a, on 27 August 2007. Front Line previously wrote to you on 28 June 2007 expressing concern about the arrest and detention of Abdul-Karim Al-Khaiwani.