Report Documents Escalating Arbitrary Detention, Enforced Disappearance, and Torture in Houthi-Controlled Areas

Women Journalists Without Chains has warned of a grave and accelerating surge in abductions, enforced disappearances, torture, and arbitrary detention across areas under the control of the Houthi militia,

describing the violations as part of a systematic campaign of repression designed to intimidate society and dismantle independent civic, professional, and human rights activity.

The organization stated that recent weeks have witnessed a marked escalation in serious abuses targeting women, journalists, activists, teachers, lawyers, children, and civilians. Documented violations include armed raids on homes and public spaces, arbitrary abductions, enforced disappearances in secret detention facilities, torture, cruel and degrading treatment, as well as the denial of medical care and family contact.

The report documented multiple cases involving the abduction and enforced disappearance of women, including Fathia al-Hadda, Ashwaq al-Shimiri, Sahar al-Khawlani, and Hanan al-Muntasir. According to the organization, several victims are believed to be held in undisclosed detention sites outside any legal or judicial framework, amid mounting concerns over their safety and physical wellbeing due to the denial of visits, communication, and healthcare.

The organization further documented the intensifying targeting of journalists, media workers, and online activists on the basis of their opinions and social media activity. Among the cases monitored were the abduction of photographer Yasser Hassan, media professional Fuad al-Maliki, and several activists who publicly criticized corruption and the worsening humanitarian and security conditions in Houthi-controlled areas.

The report also revealed a campaign targeting teachers and educational personnel who refused to participate in so-called “summer camps” associated with ideological mobilization efforts. The organization considered these practices part of a broader strategy to instrumentalize the education sector for sectarian indoctrination and the recruitment and influence of children.

In addition, the organization documented violations against children and civilians, including the abduction of child Marwan Fikri Dahan al-Madrahi while returning from examinations, alongside widespread raids on villages and residential areas and the detention of students and young men without legal basis or judicial warrants.

The organization stressed that the continued targeting of lawyers and human rights defenders constitutes a dangerous escalation aimed at silencing independent legal advocacy and obstructing access to justice. It cited the ongoing detention of human rights lawyer Abdul-Majeed Sabrah, as well as the coercive measures and arbitrary restrictions imposed against legal professionals, undermining both the independence of the legal profession and victims’ right to defense and fair representation.

Women Journalists Without Chains further warned of the growing number of deaths occurring inside detention facilities or shortly after release as a result of torture, medical neglect, and inhumane detention conditions. The organization emphasized that the widespread, systematic, and recurring nature of these violations, coupled with the diversity of targeted groups, may amount to crimes against humanity and war crimes under international law.

The organization called on the international community, the United Nations, and the United Nations Human Rights Council to establish an independent and transparent international investigation into these violations, ensure accountability for perpetrators, and exert urgent pressure for the immediate and unconditional release of all abductees and forcibly disappeared persons. It also urged the placement of detention facilities under international monitoring mechanisms to end impunity and prevent further abuses.

To read and download the full report, click here.