Houthi Militias Tighten Restrictions on Weddings in Ibb

In recent weeks, Houthi militias have intensified restrictions on wedding processions and photography sessions in Ibb, exacerbating the challenges faced by residents in this controlled province.

Crackdown on Wedding Celebrations

The Traffic Police’s enforcement unit has launched extensive campaigns targeting wedding celebrations. Officers have halted numerous wedding processions on city streets, detaining vehicles and their owners, including relatives of the brides and grooms. Authorities have demanded hefty fines for the release of these vehicles, adding financial strain to families celebrating their special day.

Ban on Photography and Threats to Photographers

The militias have also prohibited photography sessions in public areas, imposing strict limitations on photographers who rely on these events for income. Photographers report that the militias have banned the use of drones at weddings, threatening violators with imprisonment. Additionally, they have coerced some photographers into signing agreements to refrain from shooting, citing concerns that aerial photography might capture sensitive security locations or contribute to traffic congestion.

Economic Impact on Photographers

These restrictions have worsened the financial conditions for photographers, who depend on event photography as their primary source of income. Local activists have condemned these measures, arguing that the militias’ claims about traffic congestion stem from the deteriorating infrastructure of the city’s road network.

Ongoing Suppression of Civil Activities

These actions represent a continuation of the Houthi militias’ broader campaign against social events, photographers, and content creators in Ibb. This crackdown reflects a systematic effort to restrict various civil activities within the province.

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