Alkarama and the Observatory for Media Freedoms ("Marsadak") express their deep concern over the prolonged detention of Yemeni journalist Nasser Shaker at Bir Ahmed Prison in Aden Governorate, southern Yemen. His detention continues despite a judicial ruling validating the time he has already served and an explicit order from the Public Prosecutor to release him. This situation constitutes arbitrary detention, in violation of the Yemeni Constitution, national laws and international human rights standards.
On 2 February 2026, Alkarama and the Observatory for Media Freedoms submitted a complaint to the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD), considering that Nasser Shaker’s detention fits a pattern of targeting journalists and restricting freedom of expression, in clear violation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Background of Arrest and Enforced Disappearance
Nasser Shaker, 35 years old, is a Yemeni journalist who was forcibly taken by authorities of the Southern Transitional Council, supported by the United Arab Emirates and now dissolved, on 21 November 2023. At the time, he was traveling to Beirut to attend a training organized by the Samir Kassir Foundation.
Despite the announcement of the Council’s dissolution at a conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, its forces continue to control certain provinces, including Aden, the temporary capital.
Since his arrest, authorities have refused to disclose his place of detention to his family, lawyer, or human rights organizations, constituting a serious violation of the prohibition on enforced disappearance and fair trial guarantees.
Detention Conditions and Health Status
Nasser Shaker’s family reports a serious deterioration of his health due to harsh detention conditions and the lack of adequate medical care, putting his life at risk and violating his right to health, safety and human dignity.
On 20 January 2026, the Specialized Criminal Court in Aden found Nasser Shaker guilty of the charges against him. However, the court considered the time he had already spent in pretrial detention as fulfilling the sentence in full and did not impose any additional penalty, despite the absence of evidence proving his involvement in an “armed group”.
Despite this ruling and the Public Prosecutor’s release order, Nasser Shaker remains in detention, constituting a blatant violation of justice and the rule of law.
Requests and Recommendations
Alkarama and the Observatory for Media Freedoms call for:
The immediate and unconditional release of Nasser Shaker, in accordance with judicial decisions and the Public Prosecutor’s order;
The provision of urgent and comprehensive medical care, including transfer to an appropriate medical facility if necessary;
The opening of an independent and transparent investigation into his enforced disappearance, the conditions of his detention and trial, and the accountability of those responsible for these violations;
An end to the persecution of journalists in Yemen, respect for freedom of expression and journalistic work, and the cessation of the use of security-related charges to restrict these freedoms.
The continued detention of Nasser Shaker, despite judicial rulings ordering his release, constitutes a serious violation of Yemen’s international obligations, undermines confidence in the justice system and sets a dangerous precedent threatening the safety of journalists and media freedom.