Barran Press
The Houthi movement, designated as a terrorist organization by the international community, has introduced new restrictions on women's gatherings at wedding halls, including public camps. A directive issued by Jibran Ghubar, a Houthi-appointed deputy governor of Sana'a and director of Hamdan district, outlines these limitations.
According to the directive, which was obtained by Barran Press, wedding ceremonies for women in halls and camps are now restricted to conclude by 8 PM. The Houthis justified this measure as an effort to "preserve religion, morals, customs, and faith identity."
The new rules also prohibit the use of loudspeakers and opening hall windows, ban the groom from entering to collect his bride, and forbid photography—both still and video—of the bride at the events. Additionally, hiring artists for women’s wedding celebrations has been banned.
The Houthi directive, distributed to wedding hall owners and residents, threatens non-compliant individuals with fines of up to 500,000 Yemeni rials.
This is not the first instance of the Houthis enforcing similar restrictions on wedding ceremonies in Sana'a and other controlled provinces. They have previously detained hall owners and traditional artists for non-compliance with their regulations.