Arabic press review: South Yemen separatists urged to release journalist

Rights groups call for the release of Yemeni journalist 

Thirty Yemeni human rights groups have renewed calls for the release of a journalist held by the Southern Transitional Council (STC) for over a year, the Al-Quds Al-Arabi newspaper reported. 

The groups said Ahmed Maher, 25, has faced a “politically-charged” trial, and urged authorities to respect his right to a fair and speedy trial. 

“His investigation was full of irregularities and clear violations of international and Yemeni law," the groups said in a statement on Sunday, marking the first anniversary of his arrest.

"His continued detention and ill-treatment, as well as the repeated postponement of trials, raise serious questions about his access to justice and due legal procedures.”

Maher, an Aden-based journalist who wrote about political developments in southern Yemen, was arrested in August 2022 by forces loyal to the STC, a secessionist organisation heavily backed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that seeks an independent south Yemen.

Kuwait bans film featuring transgender actor

Kuwait has banned the screening of the horror movie Talk to Me, which features a transgender actor, according to Al-Khaleej Online.

Hisham Alghanim, vice chairman of the board of directors of the Kuwaiti national cinema company, confirmed that the Australian film was banned by authorities but said the reasons were unknown. 

The film, which is being shown in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, features transgender Australian actor Zoe Terakes.

The Gulf state, which criminalises homosexuality, most recently banned the latest Spider-Man animation in June, which included a scene showing the transgender pride flag. 

Earthquake victims in Syrian government areas are still homeless

Six months after a devastating earthquake hit Turkey, most of those affected in neighbouring Syria remain without shelter, the London-based Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reported on Sunday.

People living in areas affected by the quake and controlled by the government of Bashar Al-Assad say the response by authorities has been slow. 

Many still live in temporary shelters, while others have been forced to find accommodation independently or renovate their homes at their own expense. 

According to the Latakia governorate, the government promised to provide housing units or rental compensation for those affected.

However, despite the UAE saying it will provide 1,000 housing units, there has been little progress in construction in Latakia. 

*Arabic press review is a digest of news reports not independently verified as accurate by Middle East Eye.