In Yemen, Houthi authorities have recently come under scrutiny following reports of detaining dozens of political opponents, a situation described as alarming by Human Rights Watch (HRW). Since July 2025, at least 70 individuals associated with the Yemeni Congregation for Reform, known as the Islah party, have been apprehended in the Dhamar governorate. According to HRW, a significant number of these detainees now face severe repercussions: 21 individuals have been put on trial, with 17 sentenced to death by firing squad and two to 10 years imprisonment.
The legal proceedings and detentions have sparked outrage among rights groups, which point out that such actions violate both local and international laws. Yemeni law clearly stipulates that arrests require a warrant, and any detention without legal justification contravenes established legal norms. HRW’s Niku Jafarnia called for the immediate release of those arbitrarily detained, emphasizing a shift towards safeguarding the rights of citizens within Houthi-controlled areas. The appeal also extends to other detainees, including journalists, lawyers, and UN and civil society staff highlighted by HRW.
Beyond political opponents, the Houthi authorities have also targeted civilians, including United Nations employees. At least 19 UN workers were reportedly detained without justification on August 31. This trend of detaining UN personnel has been criticized by Hans Grundberg, the UN envoy for Yemen, who condemned the forced entry into UN premises and the confiscation of property, describing these actions as a breach of basic obligations to ensure safety and dignity for UN staff.
The Houthis, a Zaydi Shiite faction, assumed control over Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, in 2014, extending their influence over large parts of northern and western Yemen. Since their rise to power, the detention of political adversaries has been a recurring issue, yet recent months have seen an uptick in such activities, raising further concerns about human rights abuses.
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging the Houthi authorities to adhere to legal standards and protect the rights of detained individuals, fostering an environment where international laws are respected and upheld.