SANAA, Yemen, Dec. 28 (UPI) -- The International Federation of Journalists has called on Yemen President Ali Abdullah Saleh to dismiss terrorism charges against a journalist facing trial.
A. Karim Al Khaiwani is facing charges that he allegedly received photographs from a supporter of Zaidi-Shiite leader Badr al-Deen al-Houthi in Saada, which the Yemen government considers violent, the Yemen Times reported.
The IFJ is urging Saleh to dismiss terrorism charges against Khaiwani as a way to take a stand for the independence of media in Yemen.
"By dismissing this case, you will send a clear message that independent journalism is protected by your administration and that journalists can cover the news without fear of facing charges in connection with their reporting," IFJ General Secretary Aidan White said in a letter to Saleh.
Officials say the charges stem from Khaiwani's contact with al-Houthi, who allegedly gave him photographs of the remote region where fighting between the government and al-Houthi's group has been taking place, which is closed to journalist.
Officials say the IFJ joins the Yemen Journalists' Syndicate in the call to drop the charges.
