En 
Ar Yemen: Assassination of Journalist Mohammed Eidah in Al‑Mukalla
Journalist Mohammed Eidah, correspondent for Al‑Arabiya and Al‑Hadath channels, was killed on 24 June 2026 following the explosion of an explosive device planted in his vehicle on Al‑Sitteen Street near the Pakistani School in Al‑Mukalla, Hadramout Governorate.
The explosion occurred at approximately 20:00. Eidah was transferred to Ibn Sina Hospital for emergency medical treatment but died from his injuries.
The killing of Eidah forms part of a sustained pattern of lethal violence against journalists and media workers in Yemen. Over the past decade, approximately 84 journalists and media professionals have been assassinated in targeted attacks across Yemeni cities. No perpetrator has ever been brought to justice for these crimes. The absence of investigation and accountability has entrenched impunity, enabling further attacks against the press.
Under international humanitarian law, the deliberate targeting of journalists in armed conflict constitutes a war crime. The failure of competent authorities to investigate these crimes or initiate prosecutions does not extinguish legal responsibility; obligations to ensure accountability remain binding under international law.
Institutional Position
The assassination of journalist Mohammed Eidah constitutes a grave violation of the right to life and the protections afforded to civilians under international humanitarian law. The absence of investigation into this killing, compounded by the assassination of approximately 84 journalists and media workers over the past decade with no perpetrator held accountable, entrenches impunity and magnifies the violation. The deliberate use of an explosive device to target a known media worker in an urban area represents a direct attack on a civilian performing an essential public function. When authorities fail to investigate such crimes, they erode the legal safeguards necessary for press freedom and public accountability. Immediate corrective measures are required to secure justice for the victims and ensure compliance with international human rights and humanitarian law obligations.
Demands Aligned with International Human Rights Principles
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Demand |
International Legal Principle |
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Immediately open a transparent and impartial investigation into the assassination of journalist Mohammed Eidah, and identify, arrest, and prosecute those responsible |
Right to Life and Duty to Investigate Unlawful Killings (ICCPR Art. 6; UN Principles on the Effective Prevention and Investigation of Extra-legal, Arbitrary and Summary Executions) |
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Ensure accountability for all perpetrators of crimes against journalists and media workers in Yemen, including the approximately 84 killings recorded over the past decade |
Right to an Effective Remedy and Accountability for Human Rights Violations (ICCPR Art. 2(3); UN Basic Principles and Guidelines on the Right to a Remedy and Reparation) |
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Cease all attacks targeting journalists, media workers, and press infrastructure |
Protection of Civilians and Journalists; Prohibition of Attacks on Civilians (Geneva Conventions Common Art. 3; Additional Protocol I Art. 79; Additional Protocol II Art. 13) |
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Guarantee a safe and enabling environment for journalists to operate without fear of targeted violence, intimidation, or reprisal |
Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists (ICCPR Art. 19; UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity) |
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Cooperate fully with international human rights mechanisms and independent investigations into attacks against journalists and media workers. |
Duty of International Cooperation in Human Rights Protection (UN Charter Arts. 55–56; ICCPR Art. 2) |
Released by:
Women Journalists Without Chains
Geneva, Switzerland —June 25, 2026
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