Abductions Across Multiple Provinces

Houthi militias have initiated a large-scale campaign of abductions in several provinces under their control. This crackdown coincides with calls to commemorate the 62nd anniversary of the September 26 Revolution in Yemen.

Local sources report that the Houthi group has intensified its kidnapping efforts in Ibb Governorate, targeting individuals associated with the planned celebrations. The recent wave of abductions has affected approximately 16 people, including educators in the Al-Sadah district. Consequently, the total number of abducted individuals in this district has risen to 31 since the beginning of the month.

In the city of Ibb, the militias abducted several individuals on Friday, including Khaled Al-Juhai from the Al-Mashanah district, educator Abdulaziz Al-Fadhli, and lawyer Akram Al-Tahiri from the Al-Jarafah neighborhood in the Al-Dhaher district. Additionally, reports indicate that the militias kidnapped seven people from Al-Bayda Governorate and an academic in Dhamar, along with a civilian in Taiz, all under similar pretexts.

Human Rights Condemnation

The American Center for Justice (ACJ) has expressed its condemnation and concern regarding the Houthi-led abduction campaigns targeting writers, journalists, and activists in their controlled regions. These actions follow the publication of posts related to the September Revolution, which Yemenis commemorate annually. The ACJ emphasized that these practices violate fundamental rights guaranteed by both the Yemeni Constitution and international law.

The organization noted that these arrests reflect a broader trend of increasing restrictions on freedom of expression and press in Houthi-controlled areas. They urged the Houthi group to immediately cease these illegal practices and release all political detainees without delay.

Furthermore, the ACJ called for respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, asserting that ongoing violations necessitate accountability for those responsible in criminal judicial proceedings.

Calls for Immediate Action

In a similar vein, the Rasef Organization for Rights and Freedoms condemned the Houthi abductions linked to the September 26 Revolution commemorations. They urged the Houthis to promptly release those they have kidnapped and hold them accountable for the safety of the detainees.

The organization appealed to both international and local entities to take responsibility regarding the ongoing crimes committed by the Houthis against civilians. They demanded accountability for high-ranking human rights violators in Yemen and emphasized the need to ensure that these perpetrators do not evade justice.

Additionally, the Rasef Organization called on the UN envoy to Yemen and international organizations to pressure the Houthi group to cease their crimes against civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law and relevant treaties.

 

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