In the last week of September 2025, the Houthi authorities arrested dozens of people in northern Yemen for peacefully celebrating or posting about the September 26 Revolution, a national holiday marking Yemen’s republic founding. The Houthis, who control the capital Sanaa, want people to celebrate a different date instead. Many arrested, including activists, lawyers, and family members of a judge, have not been charged or allowed to contact their families. Some have disappeared without a trace. Families are worried, especially when detainees have health problems and no access to medical care. These arrests violate Yemeni laws and basic human rights, but the Houthis continue to use force to silence anyone who does not share their views. They have also detained United Nations and civil society workers. The growing number of arrests shows a harsh crackdown on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, hurting families and communities who only want to remember their country’s history without fear.

Pray for the immediate and unconditional release of all the imprisoned victims in Yemen. Pray for them to have access to their rights and needs, including to contact their families. Pray for justice to prevail for the victims (The Holy Bible, Psalm 37:6).

Pray for the Houthis to stop attacking people who exercise their rights and freedoms in their homeland. Pray for the end of the oppression of Houthis in the nation. Pray for more freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in the country (The Holy Bible, Psalm 146:7).

News Source: Human Rights Watch

Image Source: Canva