On Monday, September 4, 2025, Hadhramout University Council convened its first emergency session for the academic year 2025/2026. The session addressed the repercussions of posts and statements circulated on social media platforms on the same date, which referenced a letter issued by Judge Afrah Saleh Badwilan, President of the Supreme National Authority for Combating Corruption. The letter, numbered (15) and dated February 25, 2025, contained serious allegations, specifically “harming the interests of the state” and “obstructing workflow,” directed at the University President, the Secretary-General, and unnamed individuals.
Council members expressed their strong condemnation of the smear campaign targeting the university’s academic and administrative leadership, resulting from the publication of the aforementioned letter on social media. They affirmed that such defamation affects every member of the university community, including its academic, administrative, and technical bodies.
The Council unanimously approved sending an official letter to the Attorney General of the Republic, requesting an investigation into the defamation incident and the violations committed by the Anti-Corruption Authority. The Council also called for an investigation into the websites and individuals responsible for publishing the defamatory content, asserting Hadhramout University’s legal right to pursue charges of defamation and reputational damage against all involved parties.
The letter highlighted that Council members had reviewed a social media post dated Thursday, September 4, 2025, which included a copy of the aforementioned letter containing serious accusations against the University President, the Secretary-General, and others. The Council emphasized that the letter violated applicable laws and failed to adhere to proper legal procedures. The publication of such content has caused significant harm to the university and its leadership, negatively impacting their academic and social standing. The letter lacked legal rigor and contributed to the formation of hostile public opinion against the university’s leadership and affiliates, without presenting evidence or following due legal process to ensure justice and truth.
Council members expressed deep concern over the extent of the defamation and the severe damage inflicted upon Hadhramout University, its leadership, and its affiliates. They noted the detrimental impact on the stability of the educational process and the university’s ability to fulfill its mission in education, research, and community service.
The Council unanimously resolved to formally request the Attorney General to:
Annul the actions taken by the Anti-Corruption Authority and compel it to adhere to all legal procedures and guarantees. Initiate an investigation into the incident of publishing documents and information related to the case, and into the violations committed by the Authority.Take appropriate measures to safeguard the legal rights of all individuals named in the letter.
Hadhramout University reserves its full legal right to prosecute individuals and all websites and social media pages involved in defamation and reputational harm.