Yemen must protect its broadcasters

Broadcaster Maha al-Buraihi is facing high medical costs Sanaa - Maeen al-Najri Chairman of the Yemeni Journalists’ Union, Hussein Osman, has called on national leaders to protect media professionals in the country. In particular, Osman demanded his government cover the medical costs for broadcaster Maha al-Buraihi, who has been in hospital for the last 10 days. In an exclusive interview with Arabstoday, Osman hailed al-Buraihi as “one of the most prominent media personalities in Yemen in recent years.” Union representatives are reportedly in contact with Yemeni President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi’s office to discuss the matter, ensuring the broadcaster receives “total care.” Al-Buraihi, who has worked at Yemen’s Satellite Channel for nearly 20 years, is trying to sell a plot of land in a Sanaa suburb to pay for her treatment. She had intended to build a home on the plot. The Yemen Music House (YMH) has also called on the Prime Minister and other top officials to pay for al-Buraihi's medical expenses in Cairo, alternatively sending her to Europe for treatment "to stop her health deteriorating any further."