Sanaa-  The abduction of Yemeni activist Sahar Al-Khawlani remains a stark escalation against freedom of expression and human rights in Yemen. In September, Houthi militias raided her home and arrested her after she criticized the deteriorating political, economic, and social conditions in areas under their control.

Al-Khawlani had gained prominence through her bold appearances in several video clips, where she discussed the economic and financial decline affecting Yemeni citizens, including salary suspensions and worsening living conditions. She also spoke about her personal experiences, highlighting instances of discrimination she and her family faced, including a case of racial bias her daughter encountered at school.

In her videos, Al-Khawlani shed light on the discriminatory practices and repressive policies implemented by the Houthi militias, asserting that such actions have exacerbated the suffering of the Yemeni people and deepened social tensions.

Sources close to Al-Khawlani’s family revealed that her arrest was part of a broader campaign targeting dissenting voices in Sanaa and other Houthi-controlled areas. The militias aim to silence anyone who criticizes their oppressive policies or exposes their abuses.

Local and international human rights organizations have condemned this move, describing it as a blatant violation of freedom of expression and opinion. They have called for the immediate and unconditional release of Sahar Al-Khawlani and urged pressure on Houthi militias to cease their repressive practices against activists and civilians.

It is worth noting that the abduction and arbitrary detention of activists has become a systematic policy adopted by the Houthi militias to intimidate society and conceal the grim reality of life in the areas they control. This only adds to the suffering of Yemenis, who continue to endure relentless violations and deteriorating conditions in all aspects of their lives.