The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate, the Yemeni Journalists´ Syndicate (YJS), in mourning the death in mysterious circumstances of a Yemeni journalist on 20 December.

Mohamed al-Absi was working as an investigative reporter on a number of local and political newspapers and he was a recognised journalist in Yemen.

Reports said the journalist was having dinner with a friend in a restaurant on 20 December in the capital Sana. A few hours later they both felt unwell and were driven to the hospital, where the reporter died, while his friend survived.

Some media have speculated he had a heart attack while the family says he may have been poisoned but the union urged media and all parties not to speculate about the causes of the death.

"We are troubled by the passing of Mohamed al-Absi in such unclear circumstances and support his family and the YJS in their demands for a serious and independent investigation in the case as well as an autopsy by a doctor representing the union to clarify the cause of his death," said IFJ President, Philippe Leruth.

source: IFJ