Yemeni Man Attempts Self-Immolation at Sabaeen Square Amid Houthi Demonstration

A video circulating on social media shows a Yemeni man attempting to set himself on fire in Sabaeen Square in the capital, Sana'a, during a protest organized by the Houthi movement in solidarity with the Palestinian people facing Israeli aggression.

The footage, shared by activists on November 15, 2024, depicts the man, identified as Abdulghani Dhiab Saree' al-Razahi, pouring gasoline over himself and igniting it. Bystanders quickly intervened, extinguishing the flames and saving him from severe injury or death.

As he attempted to self-immolate, al-Razahi was reportedly shouting grievances against Abdulmajid Al-Houthi, a relative of the group's founder and leader, who serves as the head of the General Authority for Endowments. While al-Razahi survived the incident, his current condition and whereabouts remain unclear, as he was seen being led away by Houthi security forces in the aftermath.

The precise motivations behind al-Razahi's drastic action and his grievances related to Abdulmajid Al-Houthi are still unknown. The latter is accused of exploiting his power for personal gain, including replacing endowment employees with family members and converting public resources for private use.

In recent years, protests have surged against Houthi leadership for alleged abuses, including the seizure of citizens' properties and enforced payments to support the group's military efforts, reflecting widespread discontent in areas under Houthi control.