HRW documents arrests and enforced disappearances carried out by Houthis in Sanaa

US-based watchdog Human Rights Watch (HRW) said yesterday that scores of Yemenis have been arrested and forcibly disappeared at the hands of the Houthis in Sanaa.

“Human Rights Watch documented the Houthis’ arbitrary or abusive detention of at least 35 people from August 2014 through October 2015, 27 of whom remain in custody,” the organisation said.

Many were arrested for belonging to the anti-Houthi Islah party.

HRW quoted its deputy Middle East Director Joe Stork as saying: “Houthi arrests and forced disappearances of alleged Islah supporters have generated palpable fear in the capital.”

“Politicians, activists, lawyers, and journalists tell us they’ve never been more frightened of ending up ‘disappeared’,” he added.