The Yemeni Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Muammar Al-Eryani, has placed full responsibility for the safety and well-being of journalist and civil activist Sahar Abdul-Elah Al-Khulani on the Iranian-backed Houthi militias. His statements come amid growing concerns over Al-Khulani’s health following her abduction.
Health Deterioration After Abduction
In a recent press statement, Al-Eryani revealed that Al-Khulani has been transferred to intensive care after losing consciousness due to a severe decline in her health. This deterioration stems from the psychological and physical torture she has endured, as well as repeated threats of execution while held in Houthi detention facilities.
Ongoing Forced Disappearance
Al-Eryani emphasized that the Houthi militias have forcibly disappeared Al-Khulani since raiding her home and kidnapping her on September 10. The militias took her to an undisclosed location, targeting her for her coverage of the dire living conditions faced by Yemeni citizens. Furthermore, they have denied her communication with her family, reflecting a broader pattern of oppression and systematic violations against Yemeni women since the Houthi coup.
Human Rights Violations Confirmed
Reports from specialized human rights organizations and testimonies from hundreds of survivors of Houthi detention reveal that women in these illegal facilities face horrific conditions. They endure brutal torture, degrading treatment, and lack basic healthcare and life necessities.
Call for Action from Human Rights Organizations
Al-Eryani urged human rights organizations and advocates for women’s issues to take action against the ongoing violations committed by the Houthis. He characterized these acts as war crimes and crimes against humanity, violating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
International Community Urged to Respond
The Minister appealed to the international community and the United Nations to condemn these criminal practices. He called for pressure on the Houthi militias to release journalist Sahar Al-Khulani, along with all other women detained and forcibly disappeared. Additionally, he urged the classification of the Houthis as a “global terrorist organization” and the pursuit of their leaders and members involved in these crimes.
The situation remains critical as the world watches how the international community responds to these urgent human rights violations in Yemen.
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