Houthis release Islamist leader but keep 3 more in custody

Yemen’s Houthi rebels released one of the leaders of the Congregation for Reform on Friday evening but have kept three others in custody, Anadolu has reported. The reform movement is close to the Muslim Brotherhood.

An anonymous source told Anadolu that the Houthis released Mohamed Al-Sabri following massive demonstrations calling for his release. The rebels have, it is claimed, promised to release those still being held but no date or time has been confirmed for this.

Al-Sabri and his colleagues were kidnapped when Houthi rebels stormed into their party offices at the beginning of March. Mobile phones were stolen and office equipment was looted.

A statement from the Houthis claimed that the four men are members of Al-Qaeda.