Two Yemen YouTubers in detention, put on trial by Houthis

Courts run by the Houthis have been used to settle scores with opponents, especially media activists accusing the group of corruption.

Marita Kassis
Marita Kassis
Jan 19, 2023
A general view of the UNESCO-listed buildings in the old city of Sanaa, Yemen, July 25, 2022.
A general view of the UNESCO-listed buildings in the old city of Sanaa, Yemen, July 25, 2022. — Mohammed Huwais/AFP via Getty Images

Two Yemenis who posted videos on YouTube in December criticizing the Houthis are to be put on trial in Houthi-run courts, the armed group announced on Wednesday. 

Mustafa al-Mumari and Ahmed Hajar were arrested in December after posting online a 10-minute video, accusing the Houthis of being thieves, naming specific officials and criticizing tax policies in the Houthi-controlled parts of Yemen.

They were charged with spreading false information, defamation and inciting violence in the video that they titled, "The Sanaa government loots the wealth of Yemen and Yemenis."

Ahmed Elaw and Hamoud al-Mesbahi were arrested after posting a video online, but were later freed on bail, according to their lawyer.

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