Houthi militia abducts an academic from Al Hudaydah University over his writings on September 26th.

On Saturday evening, Houthi militias kidnapped Dr. Abbas Al-Harazi, an academic from Al-Hudaydah University. This incident stemmed from his social media posts regarding the 26th of September Revolution. Local sources reported that the militias raided Al-Harazi’s home and forcibly took him to an undisclosed location.

Details of the Kidnapping

According to eyewitness accounts, the Houthi forces targeted Dr. Al-Harazi specifically due to his recent post celebrating the anniversary of the 26th of September. The post was shared in a WhatsApp group, which the militias deemed unacceptable.

Dr. Al-Harazi, a professor of English at the Faculty of Education at Al-Hudaydah University, is in his sixties and suffers from several chronic health conditions. His abduction raises serious concerns about the safety of academics and freedom of expression in areas under Houthi control.

Wider Context of Repression

This incident is part of a troubling trend, as the Houthi militias have reportedly kidnapped dozens of citizens across various provinces. Many of these abductions relate to individuals expressing their views on the 26th of September Revolution. This crackdown on dissent highlights the ongoing repression faced by those who speak out against the Houthi regime.

The kidnapping of Dr. Abbas Al-Harazi underscores the risks academics face in Yemen when discussing politically sensitive topics. As the Houthi militias continue to silence voices of dissent, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that upholds human rights and freedom of speech in the region.

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