Arbitrary Arrest and Continued Detention
One year ago, on September 25, 2025, Houthi de facto authorities in Sanaa arbitrarily detained the prominent lawyer and human rights defender Abdulmajid Sabra. The arrest occurred at his office, where he was seized by a group comprising armed forces personnel and men in civilian clothing affiliated with the Houthis. This action was part of a broader pattern of detentions targeting individuals who publicly commemorated the anniversary of the Yemeni Revolution of September 26.
Sabra’s detention coincided with the eve of the anniversary of the 1962 revolution that established the Arab Republic of Yemen. While this date is traditionally marked by celebrations involving torchlight processions and public displays of the republican flag, the Houthi authorities oppose such commemorations. According to relatives, Sabra was interrogated about social media posts in which he observed the anniversary, as well as regarding his professional work as a legal advocate.
Legal Status and Lack of Charges
To date, no formal charges have been brought against Sabra. He remains held at the Shumlan security and intelligence facility operated by the Houthis. Diala Haider, a researcher focused on Yemen at Amnesty International, stated that Sabra continues to be arbitrarily detained despite dedicating his career to defending those imprisoned for exercising their human rights peacefully.
Systematic Suppression of Dissent
Haider described Sabra’s case as emblematic of the wider authoritarian practices employed by the Houthis to target critics, lawyers, human rights defenders, and civil society workers. These measures are aimed at controlling the civic space and silencing opposition. The organization noted that the complete disregard for international human rights law, the rule of law, and fair trial rights constitutes a mockery of the judicial system under their control.
Amnesty International has called on the Houthi de facto authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Abdulmajid Sabra and all others arbitrarily detained for peacefully exercising their human rights. The organization further urged an end to the campaign against political opposition. The detention highlights the ongoing risks faced by legal professionals and activists in areas controlled by Houthi forces, where independent advocacy is met with severe repression and indefinite imprisonment without due process.
This report was produced by the HuMedia newsroom.
