by Al-Fassel | 2025-12-01

Satellite complicity betrays principles

Yemen's Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani has condemned satellite providers for allowing Iran-backed Houthi propaganda to stream widely.

He argues this is a betrayal of the moral values these companies claim to uphold.

Al-Eryani argues that satellites broadcasting Houthi programming into European homes are complicit in spreading extremist content.

He points out that foreign leaders often speak out against extremism, yet their own satellite systems rebroadcast Al-Masirah TV, a media arm of the Houthi movement.

That, he argues, exposes a double standard: tolerance for hate speech abroad, but crackdown on domestic online extremism.

Propaganda, not journalism

Under the control of Iran backed rebels, the Houthis seized Yemen's state television and now use it to legitimize their rule and destabilize their country.

Rather than offering independent journalism, outlets like Al-Masirah act as tools of psychological warfare, tailored to entrench Houthi power.

Analysts describe Houthi media as a sophisticated influence operation, backed by Tehran.

The Houthi broadcasts amplify sectarian rhetoric, glorify violence and undermine peace efforts.

For ordinary Yemenis, the constant stream of messaging leaves little room for alternative voices or independent reporting.

Al-Eryani calls for decisive action: satellite providers should revoke broadcast licenses, cancel contracts and enforce laws against incitement.

He frames the issue as more than a Yemeni crisis. It is a European moral test.

While Western governments have rightly cracked down on online extremism, freezing accounts, sanctioning platforms and removing content tied to terrorism, the same rigor has not been applied to satellite broadcasting.

The refusal to shut off Houthi run channels demonstrates a troubling tolerance for televised hate.

In al-Eryani's view, allowing the Houthis to continue broadcasting is not merely political negligence. It is a profound moral failure.

Al‑Eryani contends that by carrying Houthi channels, satellite firms enable propaganda that undermines Yemen’s social fabric and threatens future generations.

He stresses that unchecked propaganda does not remain confined to Yemen; it risks fueling radicalization across borders.

He continues to warn that without international action, Houthi broadcasts will continue to corrode regional stability and challenge the values European nations claim to defend.