The Minister of Information calls for effective international action to pressure the Houthi militia to release all detainees from the September Revolution.

Yemen’s Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Moammar Al-Eryani, has condemned the ongoing detention of political activist Raddad Said Al-Hudheifi, known as the “Dean of September Revolution Detainees.” Al-Hudheifi has faced enforced disappearance since Houthi militias stormed his home and threatened his family on September 1 in the Sahban area of Al-Sayani district, Ibb Governorate. His detention stems from his criticisms of the Houthis’ violent actions against civilians and his call to celebrate the 62nd anniversary of the September 26 Revolution.

Escalating Campaign Against Civilians

In a recent press statement, Al-Eryani highlighted that since the beginning of September, Houthi militias have launched a series of abductions targeting thousands of citizens. These include prominent figures from various sectors such as politics, journalism, culture, and human rights activism. The crackdown aims to stifle celebrations of the September Revolution and the display of the national flag, revealing the Houthis’ disdain for the revolution and their efforts to erase national identity in favor of sectarian narratives.

Conditions for Release Expose Houthi Agenda

Al-Eryani noted that the Houthis have released some detainees but only after imposing conditions that prevent them from commemorating national events or raising the national flag. This tactic underscores that their actions are not merely precautionary measures as they claim, but rather a systematic campaign to suppress national sentiment, extinguish the spirit of resistance within society, and instill fear among Yemenis to ensure compliance with their sectarian agenda.

Call for International Accountability

Al-Eryani expressed disbelief at the ongoing international silence regarding these egregious violations of international humanitarian law. He urged the global community to condemn the brutal repression and terrorism perpetrated by the Houthis against citizens in areas under their control. He called on local communities to resist these oppressive policies and express their dissent through all available means.

Appeal to International Organizations

The Minister appealed to the international community, the United Nations, the UN envoy, and human rights organizations to fulfill their legal and moral responsibilities regarding these criminal practices. He urged them to act decisively to pressure the Houthi militia to release Al-Hudheifi and all other unlawfully detained individuals without conditions. Furthermore, he called for accountability for those responsible for these crimes and for the classification of the Houthis as a “global terrorist organization.”

This ongoing situation highlights the urgent need for international attention and action to protect human rights in Yemen.

 

To follow the news in Arabic