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.
“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).
