Yemen’s Information Minister warns of Houthi militia’s plan to execute three educators after sham trials on fabricated charges.

Escalation of Violence by Houthi Forces

Yemen’s Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Muammar al-Eryani, has issued a stark warning regarding the Houthi militia’s recent actions. The Iran-backed group has ordered the execution of three educators from the Al Mahwit Governorate – Ismail Abu Al-Ghaith, Saghir Fare, and Abdul Aziz Al-Aqeeli – following their abduction and nine years of enforced disappearance. Throughout this period, the individuals suffered from various forms of physical and psychological torture and were subjected to sham trials on fabricated charges, all stemming from their political views and stances.

A Pattern of Intimidation

Al-Eryani, in a statement to the Yemeni News Agency (SABA), highlighted that the Houthi militia’s escalation in issuing execution orders against its opponents mirrors the tactics of their Iranian backers. This strategy aims to intimidate politicians, journalists, activists, and the general populace in areas under their control. The goal is to silence any dissent or demands for basic human rights, including the freedom and dignity of life.

Documented Human Rights Violations

Human rights organizations have documented the issuance of 400 death sentences by the Houthi militia against state leaders, security and military personnel, politicians, media figures, journalists, and activists. Nine individuals from the Al Hodeidah Governorate were executed on September 18, 2021. Currently, 70 of those sentenced remain missing in detention, including three university professors and twelve teachers and educators. Additionally, death sentences were issued against 18 individuals post their release in exchange deals.

International Violations and Calls for Action

The actions of the Houthi militia, ranging from torture and mistreatment to physical liquidation, constitute crimes against humanity that do not fall within the statute of limitations. They represent a blatant violation of international humanitarian law. Al-Eryani emphasized the militia’s persistence in escalating tensions and obstructing peace efforts made by allied and friendly countries.

Al-Eryani has called on the international community, the United Nations, its special envoy, and human rights organizations to condemn these criminal practices unequivocally. He urges immediate action to pressure the Houthi militia to revoke the execution orders, release all abducted and forcibly detained individuals unconditionally, and cease using the judiciary as a tool for political revenge, suppression, and societal terror. Furthermore, he advocates for the designation of the militia as a “global terrorist organization.”

This alarming situation underscores the urgent need for international intervention to prevent further loss of life and uphold human rights in Yemen.

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