The Geneva-based rights organization "Sam for Rights and Liberties" announced on Saturday, October 5, 2024, that the Houthi group, internationally classified as a terrorist organization, has arrested activist and content creator Abdulrahman Al-Baydani from his home in the Al-Suhul area of Ibb Governorate, central Yemen. This arrest follows his celebration of the 26th of September Revolution.

In a statement reviewed by "Barran Press," the organization noted that the incident is part of a wider repressive campaign by the Houthis against those celebrating this revolution. The organization reported that over 209 individuals have been detained in recent weeks, including minors, highlighting the group's brutal policies against any expression of national pride.

"Sam" called on international organizations to spotlight the ongoing violations committed by the Houthis and to exert maximum pressure for the release of the detained individuals.

Regarding Al-Baydani's arrest, "Sam" documented testimony from an insider indicating that "twenty days prior, the local security chief, Saddam Al-Qasim, visited Abdulrahman’s home to inform him to delete his Facebook posts, promising not to imprison him."

According to the testimony, "Abdulrahman was not home at that time, and some local elders intervened, assuring that he would not be harmed, provided he deleted the posts and complied with the guidelines."

Later, Abdulrahman returned, deleted the specified posts, and agreed to adhere to the conditions. He then ceased posting any content related to the Houthis.

However, on Friday, September 26, he shared a photo celebrating September without accompanying text. The local director demanded he come to the police station to delete the post and comply with further restrictions, including shutting down his YouTube channel.

"Sam" reported, based on its witness, that "Al-Baydani went to delete the last post and his channel, accompanied by his uncle until they reached Habish Junction, where five armed vehicles were waiting to take him, preventing his uncle from accompanying him." It was noted that he was transferred to the criminal investigation department in Ibb.

Al-Baydani's family attempted to use intermediaries to ascertain his situation but were informed, sadly, that Abdulrahman was detained by intelligence and that they had no authority to secure his release. According to the witness: "So far, we have not been able to do anything to secure his freedom."

Furthermore, "Sam" deemed these arrests a clear violation of Yemeni national laws, pointing out that Yemeni law protects the sanctity of the home and individuals' rights to express their opinions.

According to the Press and Publications Law, the expression of opinion is a right guaranteed to all citizens, which must occur without harassment or aggression. The Yemeni constitution states that "freedom of knowledge, thought, press, expression, communication, and access to information is a right of citizens," and these rights must be respected according to legal provisions.

"On an international level, Yemen is committed to numerous treaties and covenants that protect human rights, including the right to freedom of expression. Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights states that 'everyone shall have the right to hold opinions without interference,' thus the arrests carried out by the Houthi group are a violation of these international obligations."

According to "Sam," these arrests significantly impact the reality of public freedoms in Yemen, contributing to an environment of fear and intimidation that prevents individuals from expressing their views or celebrating national occasions. This systematic policy reflects the Houthis' efforts to suppress dissenting voices and restrict fundamental freedoms.