The Minister of Information calls for prosecuting Houthi leaders as war criminals and imposing further sanctions on them.

Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism Speaks Out

Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism Muammar Al-Eryani has condemned the Houthi militias, which are backed by the Iranian regime, for their use of sectarian incitement. He emphasized that this tactic serves not only as a means of mobilization but also forms a core part of their governance and control ideology.

Sectarian Extremism Since 2014

In a recent press statement, Al-Eryani highlighted that since their coup against the Yemeni state in 2014, the Houthi militia has adopted an extremist sectarian narrative. This rhetoric resembles that of terrorist organizations such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda. The Houthis label their opponents as “infidels,” “traitors,” and “agents of America and Israel,” aiming to demonize them and justify violent actions against them.

Violent Consequences of Incitement

Al-Eryani pointed out that this incitement extends beyond media statements and political speeches. It has translated into horrific crimes and bloodshed against civilians, all under the pretext of “cleansing from extremists.” The militia has targeted numerous Yemeni provinces, including Ibb, Dhamar, Hajjah, Al-Bayda, and Taiz, employing tactics similar to those used by terrorist groups to rationalize mass killings of civilians.

Exploiting Regional Events for Propaganda

The minister further noted that the Houthi militias are currently attempting to exploit events in the Syrian coast to fuel sectarian fear campaigns. They claim that similar violence could occur in Yemen if they lose power, trying to persuade citizens to remain under their control. Al-Eryani asserted that the reality the Houthis ignore is that they are the primary cause of the destruction in Yemen and a significant obstacle to peace efforts.

International Reports Document Violations

Al-Eryani referenced reports from international organizations, including the United Nations, Human Rights Watch, and Amnesty International, which have documented severe violations committed by the Houthi militia against civilians. These violations include indiscriminate shelling, sniper attacks, landmine planting, forced displacement, home demolitions, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, psychological and physical torture, sexual assaults, and the recruitment of over 30,000 children, all in blatant violation of international laws.

Call for Legal Action Against Houthi Leaders

The minister urged for intensified legal efforts to pursue Houthi leaders, particularly Abdul-Malik Al-Houthi, labeling them as “war criminals.” He called for increased sanctions to prevent them from continuing their crimes and violations against the Yemeni people. Al-Eryani stressed that the international community must address the Houthis with the same firmness it has shown towards war criminals in other regions to ensure they do not escape accountability.

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