Monitoring Desk
ISLAMABAD/AL-MUKALLA: Two Yemeni YouTubers arrested by Houthis after posting censorious videos are to be put on court trial, prompting rights groups to accuse the militia of using a court to harass dissidents.
According to Arab News, Ahmed Hajar and Mustafa Al-Mumari were arrested the previous month after they accused Houthis of being robbers and thieves they said were criticized and corrupted taxation levels. Houthis accuse them of spreading false data, defaming leaders, and violence.
Two youtubers arrested
Abdul Majeed Sabra, a defense lawyer in Sanaa, said that two others arrested at the time, Hamoud Al-Mesbahi and Ahmed Elaw had been freed on bail.
Elaw was detained for the videos in which he urged Houthis to tackle corruption and expressed compassion for the prisoners. Al-Mesbahi with Al-Mumari at the time of the arrest.
All four, who had last expressed support for a movement on social media, appeared at the Houthi-run Specialized Criminal Court Instance in Sanaa.
Houthi media said that all expressed sorrow and vowed not to repeat their actions.
The militia’s group crackdown on YouTubers users has prompted rights organizations to accuse them the harassing free speech advocates and using the court to settle scores with the opponents.
Geneva-based SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties said human rights violations and kidnapping have escalated since Houthis’ takeover in 2014. militia established a political court to justify the execution of their opponents and confiscation of their properties.
