Barran Press
A recent human rights report has revealed a surge in public anger in the Yemeni capital Sana'a, fueled by the Houthi militia's repressive policies and systematic campaign of starvation and impoverishment. The report, titled "Sana'a is Angry," was released on Monday, September 16, 2024, by the Human Rights Office in Sana'a, a government entity and seen by "Barran Press".
The report attributes the growing discontent towards the Houthis, internationally designated as a terrorist group, to their "policy of starvation, oppression, and systematic impoverishment, the looting of civil servant salaries, and the militarization of public life."
The report further highlights the suppression of freedom of expression and opinion, the targeting of the republican system, and the prevention of citizens from celebrating the 26th of September National Day in 2023. This, according to the report, marked a turning point for Yemenis, with the assault on the national flag and the kidnapping of those celebrating the anniversary of the Yemeni revolution, which abolished the rule of the imams and slavery, serving as a stark reminder of the Houthis' attempt to resurrect that dark era.
The report documented 2,500 violations committed by the Houthis against Sana'a residents between 2022 and 2023. These violations ranged from extrajudicial killings, physical assault, kidnappings, enforced disappearances, torture, looting of public and private property, and child recruitment.
The report also documented violations against women, forced displacement, discrimination, arbitrary dismissals, attacks on the judiciary, infringement of public and private freedoms, salary theft, and the obstruction of livelihoods.
Fahmi al-Zubairi, Director of the Human Rights Office in Sana'a, described the Houthis' continued violations as a "sign of their inability to integrate society." He emphasized that the Yemeni people reject the Houthis' sectarian and tribal policies and their discriminatory ideology, which contradicts the republican system and the gains of the 26th of September revolution.
Al-Zubairi stressed the importance of monitoring, documenting, and exposing these violations to the world through all available channels. He highlighted the crucial role of media outlets and human rights organizations in raising awareness about human rights and documenting Houthi abuses.