"The killing of Jamal Ahmed al-Sharabi is an attack against the basic human right of the people of Yemen to freedom of expression," the Director-General said. "It is the duty of the authorities to ensure that journalists are able to carry out their professional duties in the safest possible conditions. It is also their duty to thoroughly investigate the circumstances of this death - which occurred during a confrontation that also tragically cost many other lives - and bring the perpetrators to justice."

Jamal Ahmed al-Sharabi was shot when gunmen opened fire on protestors in Change Square in Sanaa. A number of others were also killed and dozens injured in the crackdown against the demonstrators. According to the International Press Institute (IPI), the journalist had been covering the demonstration for the Al-Masdar independent newspaper.