Al-Jazeera: Yemeni security forces storm San’a office, seize broadcast equipment
By APFriday, March 12, 2010
Al-Jazeera: Yemen seizes broadcast equipment
CAIRO — Al-Jazeera television says Yemeni authorities confiscated broadcasting equipment from the station’s San’a offices after complaining of its coverage of the country’s restive southern region.
The station says security agents stormed its office late Thursday and seized the equipment after scuffling with the staff. Al-Jazeera said on its Web site Friday that Yemeni officials have warned the station against covering southern opposition meetings.
Southerners, who joined a unified Yemeni in 1990, have started a political movement demanding secession from the North, blaming the northerners for marginalizing them.
Tension has soared this month amid a government crackdown that has left at least eight activists dead.
Media watchdogs say Yemen is one of the most repressive countries in the region for the press.
