The Minister of Information condemns the Houthi militia’s detention of the father of the assaulted girl, Janat Al-Siyaghi.

The Yemeni Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Muammar Al-Eryani, has strongly condemned the Houthi militia for detaining Taheer Al-Siyaghi, the father of nine-year-old rape victim Janat Al-Siyaghi. The militia reportedly imprisoned him in an effort to force him into accepting a tribal mediation and to comply with an unjust ruling concerning the assault on his daughter by a relative of one of their leaders.

A Disturbing Example of Injustice

In a recent press statement, Al-Eryani highlighted Janat’s case as a glaring example of the oppression inflicted by the Houthi militia on the Yemeni people in areas under their control. He criticized the militia for manipulating the judicial system to legitimize their crimes and violations. According to Al-Eryani, the Houthis have transformed the judiciary into a tool for violence, protecting murderers and criminals while perpetuating injustice.

False Claims of Defending Honor

Al-Eryani pointed out the hypocrisy of the Houthi militia, which claims to defend the honor and dignity of Yemenis. They also assert their support for the oppressed in Gaza, rallying those misled by these narratives. However, Al-Eryani argued that their criminal actions mirror the brutality of Israeli occupation against the Palestinian people.

Corruption of the Judicial System

The minister emphasized that Janat’s case sheds light on the corruption within the judiciary, now under Houthi control. He described this system as an instrument of oppression, facilitating murder, theft of public and private property, and protecting perpetrators of heinous crimes, including a recent spike in sexual assaults. This deterioration occurs amid rampant insecurity and deliberate policies of ignorance and impoverishment.

Call for Solidarity and Action

Al-Eryani expressed unwavering solidarity with Taheer Al-Siyaghi and all victims of Houthi violence. He urged all Yemenis and global advocates for justice to support the victim’s family and raise awareness about their plight, transforming it into a public issue. He assured that those responsible for this crime, as well as those who protect them, will face justice.

Urgent International Response Needed

Al-Eryani also expressed astonishment at the ongoing international silence regarding these horrific crimes and violations, including the inaction of relevant human rights organizations. He called for decisive international action to halt the organized violence perpetrated by the Houthi militia against civilians. Furthermore, he demanded an immediate classification of the militia as a “global terrorist organization.”

This incident highlights the urgent need for accountability and justice in Yemen, as the plight of victims like Janat Al-Siyaghi continues to unfold amidst a backdrop of systemic abuse and impunity.

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