Houthi Militias Accused of Detaining 74 Citizens in Dhammar for Over 86 Days
The organization Equality for Rights and Freedoms has reported that Houthi militias, backed by the Iranian regime, have detained 74 citizens from Dhammar province for more than 86 days. The organization expressed deep concern over the continued detention of these individuals without allowing their families to know their whereabouts or communicate with them.
Widespread Abductions
In a statement, the organization detailed that the Houthis launched a widespread abduction campaign during September and October of the previous year. This campaign targeted academics, political figures, and social leaders, including the elderly and those suffering from illnesses.
Systematic Repression
The statement characterized this campaign as one of the largest instances of mass repression witnessed in Dhammar since the Houthis’ coup against the legitimate government. It highlighted that this operation forms part of a systematic policy aimed at instilling fear within the community and terrorizing citizens.
Accountability for Detentions
The organization held the Houthi leadership in Dhammar fully responsible for the safety and well-being of the abducted individuals. It emphasized that the ongoing practices represent a blatant violation of international laws and treaties, including the Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, the four Geneva Conventions, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. All these agreements assert that enforced disappearance against civilians constitutes a crime against humanity.
Call for International Action
The statement urged the international community to take immediate action to rescue the abducted individuals. It called for genuine and effective pressure on Houthi leaders to disclose the locations of the detainees and secure their unconditional release. Furthermore, it stressed the need for local, regional, and international efforts to halt the ongoing violations against civilians in Houthi-controlled areas and to ensure accountability for those responsible, preventing them from evading justice.
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