Aden (South24 Center)

The Media Committee of the National Assembly of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) stated on Tuesday (February 10) that a media delegation from the German channel ZDF was prevented from traveling to Aden after arriving at Cairo International Airport. The committee noted that the ban was based on instructions issued by security authorities at Aden International Airport.

In a statement, the committee explained that the delegation was scheduled to depart Cairo via a Yemenia Airways flight heading to Aden on Sunday evening, but was barred from completing the journey without any official reasons being given.

The committee condemned the measure, terming it as part of the restrictions imposed on the work of foreign media, and an attempt to limit the ability of international journalists to cover political and field developments in the Southern governorates, according to the statement.

The statement added that the continued prevention of foreign media from reaching Aden reflects fears of "transferring alternative narratives to international public opinion," especially in light of the grassroots movements and peaceful demonstrations demanding the restoration of the South State.

The committee held the security authorities at Aden International Airport responsible for what it described as "harassment of journalistic work." It linked these actions to violations that have targeted peaceful protesters, including arrests and shootings, referring to recent events witnessed in the city of Seiyun in Hadramout governorate.

This incident comes amid a previous controversy regarding foreign journalists' coverage of a mass rally supporting the STC held in Aden on January 16. During that event, several journalists were subjected to smear campaigns and skepticism on social media platforms, including inaccurate accusations regarding the identities of some media participants.

Journalists and activists affiliated with the Islah Party had claimed that the journalists were "Israelis and Zionists," before it was later revealed that they were European and Egyptian journalists working as part of the France 24 team.