(Beirut) – In a shocking display of authoritarianism, Houthi authorities have once again arrested dozens of individuals during the last week of September 2025 for the simple act of peacefully celebrating or even mentioning Yemen’s “September 26 Revolution” on social media. This abominable crackdown serves as a stark reminder of the regime’s commitment to suppressing dissent and stifling freedom of expression in a country already ravaged by war and humanitarian crisis.
The September 26 holiday commemorates the establishment of the Yemen Arab Republic in 1962, a significant event representing the aspirations for freedom and democracy that many Yemenis hold dear. However, the Houthis, who currently control Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and much of the northern region, have twisted this narrative to promote their own agenda. They insist on celebrating September 21, the date they seized control of Sanaa, instead of recognizing a day that reflects the democratic values that should be cherished by all Yemenis.
As Human Rights Watch aptly points out, “The Houthis seem to be expending far more resources on arresting people for harmless social media posts than they are on ensuring that people in territories under their control have access to food and water.” This statement encapsulates the grotesque priorities of a regime more concerned with quelling opposition than addressing the dire humanitarian needs of its population.
The Houthis’ latest wave of arrests underscores the regime’s blatant disregard for fundamental human rights, particularly the rights to assembly and free speech. This is not an isolated incident; it is part of a systematic pattern of repression that has seen countless activists, journalists, and everyday citizens rounded up simply for voicing their beliefs or commemorating their national history.
Numerous individuals have been detained without any legal justification or charges. Among those arrested are prominent activists and legal professionals, including writer and satirist Oras al-Eryani, well-known lawyer Abdul Majeed Sabra, and members of the Qatran family, who have been targeted simply due to their association with the September 26 commemoration. Many of these detainees remain out of contact with their families, locked away in a system that thrives on enforced disappearances, torture, and arbitrary detention.
One heart-wrenching case involves a brother of a detainee, who recounted how his sibling vanished after leaving home to take out the trash. The family’s desperate attempts to locate him reveal the chilling reality faced by families of the disappeared – a reality characterized by uncertainty, fear, and an utter lack of accountability from the authorities.
Abdul Majeed Sabra’s experience further illustrates the risks faced by those who dare to provide legal support to the oppressed. After announcing that he would assist detained lawyers, Sabra himself was threatened and subsequently arrested by Houthi security forces. His case exemplifies the regime’s commitment to silencing any dissenters, regardless of their profession or intentions.
The arbitrary nature of these detentions is in direct violation of Yemeni law and international human rights standards. Under the Yemeni Criminal Procedures Law, arresting individuals without a warrant or proper charges constitutes a fundamental breach of justice. Moreover, the United Nations has documented numerous instances of violations perpetrated by the Houthis, emphasizing that the rampant human rights abuses in Yemen predominantly stem from this oppressive regime.
It is imperative to understand that the Houthis’ actions are not merely isolated incidents; they are symptomatic of a broader systemic issue that prioritizes control over the welfare of the populace. The United Nations has raised alarms about the arbitrary detention of UN and civil society staff, indicating a chilling atmosphere where even international organizations are not immune to the grips of tyranny.
As we witness these egregious violations of human rights unfold, it is crucial to hold the Houthis accountable for their actions. The international community must step up and demand the immediate release of all those detained solely for exercising their fundamental rights. The Houthis must be unequivocally confronted with the reality that their suppression of dissent will not be tolerated, and that the voices of the Yemeni people cannot be silenced.
The call for justice in Yemen is not just about the release of detainees; it is about recognizing and affirming the rights of individuals to celebrate their history, their culture, and their identity without the looming threat of state-sponsored violence. It is a fight against an oppressive regime that has long disregarded the dignity and humanity of its people.
In the face of such oppression, we must stand in solidarity with those who dare to resist. The Houthis’ reign of terror must end, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that Yemenis can freely commemorate their national milestones without fear of retribution. The time for accountability is now.
This article highlights the importance of Freedom in Yemen.
