Journalists walked out from a press conference on Tuesday by the minister of Local Administration Rashad Al-Alimi who disappointed journalists when it seemed he was not aimed to tackle a recent suspension of publications and blockade of news websites.

Protesting intensified campaign targeting freedom of media and the focus of the minister on the situation in Yemen in general, almost all journalists who came for the press conference including editor-in-chiefs of the suspended newspapers left the room where the conference took place.

Head of the Union Freedom Committee at the Yemeni Journalist Syndicate Jamal Anam praised the walkout, though he said that Al-Alimi assured them the suspended newspapers will be allowed for republication.

" Al-Alimi affirmed the halted press, under an Information Ministry decree, would be republished on condition they stick to the law and don’t abuse profession."

However, journalists condemned the minister's remarks, wondering if publication in Yemen was 'unlawful'.

Anam called on all journalists in the country to boycott all government activities held in solidarity with the halted newspapers.

Few weeks ago and when unrest intensified in the south where armed people protested the regime, fighting the troops and calling for the secession of the south, the government ordered seven publications be halted with the aim to stifle reports on tension.

And during the last few days, one more newspaper was suspended and some news websites were blocked.

The measures appeared unsatisfied, with the Supreme Judicial Council later approving a press court to be established.

Yemen, which came under attack by local and international organizations interested in the media in the country, says all measures taken concerning the national media are constitutional, arguing press issues require quick decisions.