Yemeni local singer Khalil Farhan has been detained by the Iran-backed Houthi group after performing national songs and the national anthem at a wedding ceremony in Dhamar Governorate on Saturday.

The Musicians and Writers Forum condemned the alleged detention, stating that the targeting of singers and intellectuals is part of a systematic campaign by the Houthi group to suppress cultural and creative expression in areas under their control and forcibly impose their singular ideology. The forum argues this poses a direct threat to Yemen's cultural and artistic identity.

The Forum strongly denounced the arbitrary abduction and detention of singer Farhan, emphasizing it constitutes a blatant violation of the freedom of creativity and expression. They described it as a direct attack on an artist whose only act was expressing pride in his nation and its heritage through his music.

The forum also denounced what it described as fabricated accusations the Houthi group is attempting to use to justify Farhan's detention. They viewed these accusations as a transparent attempt to distract from the true motives behind his targeting, which they believe reflects a systematic policy of repression against any independent or creative voice.

The forum declared that music will remain an instrument of love, peace, and national identity, and that no entity will succeed in seizing or manipulating it to serve divisive sectarian or political agendas.
The Yemeni Musicians and Writers Forum demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Khalil Farhan and all other individuals allegedly detained.

Furthermore, the forum appealed to all local and international human rights organizations, and unions of artists and creators, to demonstrate solidarity and take immediate action to halt these ongoing violations that undermine human dignity and the freedoms of expression and creativity.