LONDON: Yemeni journalist Majed Zayed and writer Oras Al-Iryani have reportedly disappeared in Sanaa, in what rights groups have condemned as part of an escalating Houthi clampdown on media freedom.
Zayed, who contributes to independent outlets including Nafzet Al-Yemen, Almawqea Post, and Mda Press, was abducted late on Sept. 23 while leaving a medical center in the Yemeni capital.
His disappearance followed a patriotic Facebook post celebrating the Yemeni flag ahead of the Sept. 26 Revolution Day, an anniversary not recognized by Houthi authorities.
Just a day prior, Al-Iryani — a poet and essayist — was last seen after leaving his home at sunset, his phone switched off and his Facebook page deleted within hours.
Both men remain missing, and advocacy groups have directly linked their disappearances to the Houthi escalation against media and free expression as Revolution Day approached.
