"Saleh, who has earned a reputation as a master of political survival since coming to power in 1978, has used government offensives against the Shiite armed rebellion in northern Saada province and against peaceful unrest in the country’s south as cover to attack his critics. The
abduction in September of journalist Muhammad al-Maqaleh and the ongoing detention of thousands of political prisoners give Yemeni journalists plenty of reason to fear for their safety under a regime seemingly determined to silence
criticism." (thanks Lilia)