Government blocks websites, harasses journalist, as elections approach [Archives:2006/982/Local News]

IFEX ) On 11 September 2006, HRinfo condemned the blocking of independent websites and the harassment of journalists by the Yemeni government, as the 20 September presidential elections approach.

Yemeni authorities blocked the website Yemeni Council ( http://www.al-yemen.org ) and Yemen Sound ( http://www.yemen-sound.com ). The two websites are independent and enjoy a high visitor rate because they provide an important space for debate, especially among Yemeni youth.

The Yemeni Council website was blocked in early August while the Yemen Sound website was blocked in early September. The two websites have criticized the Yemeni president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, who has nominated himself as one of five candidates to run for the presidency.

On 7 September, the press and publications prosecutor summoned Khaled Al-Alwany, the chief editor of the independent newspaper “Al-Asema”” (“”The Capital””)