Belqees channel announces the suspension of its television broadcast after a decade of work.
Arab Sea Newspaper - Follow-ups:
Belqees TV channel announced on Friday the cessation of its television broadcast due to compelling reasons beyond its control, after ten years of continuous work in covering Yemeni affairs and conveying the truth from various regions of the country. The channel was launched on February 11, 2015, in a highly sensitive national circumstance following the Houthi militia coup, setting before it a clear message of delivering the voice of the Yemeni people and defending the values of freedom, dignity, and the right of society to knowledge. Throughout its journey, Belqees contributed to enriching the Yemeni media scene with field coverage, analytical and human rights programs, and revealed violations against civilians, enhancing public awareness of rights and political issues. The channel paid a heavy price for this message, losing a number of its correspondents, its staff being subjected to harassment and persecution, its offices in Sana'a and Aden being confiscated, and being prevented from working in areas under the control of de facto authorities, in addition to incitement campaigns targeting its credibility and professionalism. In its statement, the channel affirmed that it has remained an independent Yemeni voice throughout the past decade, biased only towards the issues of the Yemeni people, amidst a regional media space crowded with alignments. Belqees extended its highest thanks and appreciation to its young staff and correspondents who conveyed the truth from the heart of the field, stressing that their sacrifices will remain part of its identity and professional journey. The channel addressed its audience, saying that the cessation of television broadcasting does not mean the cessation of the message, explaining that its presence will continue through its digital platforms, and that it will return to television broadcasting when better conditions are available to ensure the continuation of work with professionalism and independence. In conclusion, Belqees expressed its gratitude to the employees, partners, and media and human rights institutions that supported its journey, wishing Yemen peace, its people security and dignity, and the country a free media that reflects the hopes and aspirations of Yemenis.