Houthi militias abduct a mosque imam and shut down a Quran memorization center in Al-Bayda and Ibb.

Houthi Militias Target Religious Leaders and Educational Centers in Yemen

On Saturday, Houthi militias launched a series of new violations against religious leaders and educational institutions in the provinces of Al-Bayda and Ibb. These actions included the abduction of a mosque imam and Quran teacher and the forceful closure of a Quran memorization center. This escalation follows the recent assassination of Sheikh Saleh Hantous and the bombing of a Quran house in Raymah.

Abduction of Imam in Al-Bayda

The Masa’a Organization for Rights and Freedoms reported that armed Houthi elements stormed the home of Sheikh Ahmed Hussein Al-Wahashi, the imam of the Sunnah Mosque in the Madhuqin area of Al-Bayda. They abducted him from his residence and transported him to an undisclosed location.

Closure of Quran Center in Ibb

In Ibb province, the organization documented a similar incident targeting the “Taj Al-Waqar” Quran Memorization Center in the village of Al-Lakmah in the Makhadir district. The militias forcibly shut down the center, preventing its operators from continuing their educational and religious activities.

Strong Condemnation of Violations

The Masa’a Organization expressed its strong condemnation of these serious escalations against religious freedoms. They view these actions as part of a systematic campaign targeting mosque imams, preachers, and Quran teachers in areas under Houthi control.

Warning of Social and Religious Consequences

The organization warned of the severe social and religious repercussions these violations could have on Yemeni society. They accused the Houthis of attempting to impose their sectarian ideology by force, which contradicts the Yemeni constitution and international agreements.

Call for International Action

The organization urged the United Nations and the UN Security Council to exert necessary pressure on the Houthi group to halt these violations. They demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Sheikh Al-Wahashi and called for the protection of his fundamental rights, including the right to education, freedom of worship, and the practice of religious rituals without restrictions.

Ongoing Restrictions on Religious Institutions

This escalation occurs amid ongoing efforts by Houthi militias to restrict religious and educational institutions, aiming to bring them under their ideological and security control, according to local and international human rights organizations.

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