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Airstrike in Yemen Kills Freelance Journalist Working for VOA

People gather as they inspect Youth and Sports Ministry's building destroyed by Saudi-led airstrikes in Sana'a, Yemen, Jan. 17, 2016. (

VOA News

Last updated on: January 18, 2016 5:48 PM

Freelance Yemeni journalist Almigdad Mojalli was killed Sunday morning in an air raid by the Saudi-led coalition while on assignment for Voice of America.

He was in an area outside of rebel-held Sana'a on Sunday morning when he was killed.

Mojalli, a freelance journalist for VOA and the U.N. news agency, IRIN, as well as other news sources, sought to fight the humanitarian crisis in his country through truthful, heartbreaking reporting.

Freelance Yemeni journalist Almigdad Mojalli (from his Twitter profile)

“He writes humanitarian stories because he doesn’t believe in fighting,” said his brother Abdullah Mojalli. “He never in his life held a weapon.”

Almigdad Mojalli has been reporting for the Voice of America since October, focusing on the human impact of the war and economic crisis in Yemen, often seeking out the most vulnerable victims.

He worked with marginalized groups, like minorities and the handicapped, seeking social justice through truth telling.

VOA's condolences

"As a journalist and as a friend, he will be deeply missed," said Heather Murdock, VOA Cairo correspondent, who worked closely with Mojalli.

VOA has expressed its deepest condolences to the family of Mojalli.

"Almigdad Mojalli was a committed and talented journalist who made the ultimate sacrifice to report on the difficult, but important, stories coming out of Yemen," said BBG CEO and Director John Lansing. "He dedicated his life to reporting on humanitarian crises, and we extend our condolences to his family."

"Truth telling on the ground in the midst of conflict is a serious endeavor," said Acting VOA Director Kelu Chao. "Reporting on the tragic nature of war requires fortitude and a willingness to take risks. Mr. Mojalli was a fine journalist and an example for us all. We mourn the loss of this courageous man."

See Mojalli's photos for VOA

He leaves behind seven dependents, including his son, Abdulaziz. Funeral services will be held Monday, January 18.

At least five journalists were killed in Yemen last year, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Almigdad Mojalli conducts an interview, Jan., 2015.

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Comment Sorting

Comments

by: Tom

January 19, 2016 10:35 AM

"You pay your nickel, and you takes your chance." Pulitzers are not won in hotels, but on the front lines. In a Muslim v. Muslim fight, the front lines are everywhere.

by: Agus Nizami from: Indonesia

January 18, 2016 4:39 AM

Saudi Arabia is bombing Yemen with US jet fighters F15 and British Typhoons. It put 21 million of Yemeni people in misery. Obama and Cameron are responsible for this.
Saudi Arabia is nothing but the Greater ISIS. 15 of 19 WTC 911 are from Saudi Arabia. So is Osama bin Laden. Why Obama and Cameron give jet fighters and bombs to Saudi? Why?

In Response

by: william li from: canada

January 18, 2016 5:11 PM

its all about money!

you are right Saudi is one of those black hands behind ISIL.

In Response

by: Lou from: Atlanta

January 18, 2016 3:48 PM

We will be getting a new president in a year and the whole world stage will change.

by: Igor from: Russia

January 17, 2016 11:43 PM

The murder was committed by Saudi Arabia, a closed ally of the US. So the US will turn a blind eye to it to avoid angering the terrorist sponsoring state of Saudi Arabia. Money and influence is above all.

by: Anonymous

January 17, 2016 9:48 PM

Since this murder was done by Saudi Arabia and most western politicians are already in Saudi pockets, probably no one will condemn his death.

by: Sensi

January 17, 2016 5:08 PM

My humble condolences to his family and colleagues. The West enabled war in Yemen, with the US, UK, etc, providing weapons, bombs and diplomatic cover to the Saudi dictatorship indiscriminate slaughter, is a complete disgrace.

In Response

by: beijingyank from: beijing

January 18, 2016 5:46 PM

The 9/11 terrorist, psychopaths are inside the Beltway in Washington DC. Nobody is safe; especially, for people who call themselves "friends."

In Response

by: John

January 18, 2016 5:38 AM

Entertaining to see that the West, as always, is at fault. Needless to say, I believe that we should keep well away from the Yemeni war. We should just leave the locals alone to kill each other in peace.

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