One was executed in October. Thirty-two executions were reported by late October. The press is allowed a certain degree of freedom to criticize government officials and policies, yet the government restricts this freedom through legal harassment, detention, and prosecution. At least eight journalists were beaten in 1999 by attackers with alleged links to authorities, and six independent and opposition newspapers were brought to trial for political coverage between February and July alone. Journalists with the opposition al-Jumhuria were prosecuted in October for allegedly insulting Saudi Arabia.
Broadcast media are government-owned.
Permits are required for public gatherings, which are also monitored by government informers. Associations must register with the government. The independent Yemeni Human Rights Organization operates openly, and international human rights observers are allowed broad access. Followers of other religions may worship freely, but the government forbids proselytizing by non-Muslims, conversions, and the construction of new places of worship without permits. Yemeni Jews, who number about 500, face traditional restrictions on places of residence and employment.