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NGOs and human rights defenders have come under increased scrutiny and pressure from the Huthi armed group in areas of Yemen under its control over the past six months, said Amnesty International in a new statement published today.
At least 27 NGOs have been raided and shut down since the Huthi armed group took control of the Yemeni capital, Sana’a, and human rights activists have reported coming under increased monitoring from the group and even received death threats towards their family members.
“By harassing and intimidating human rights defenders and shutting down NGOs the Huthi armed group is fuelling a climate of repression and sending a clear message that dissenting voices will not be tolerated in areas under its control,” said James Lynch, Deputy Middle East and North Africa Director for Amnesty International.
“Peaceful activists must be free to carry out their legitimate work without any interference and free from threats or intimidation. Instead of silencing human rights defenders and suppressing civil society the Huthi armed group should stop all harassment and help promote and facilitate the important work of documenting human rights abuses.”
To read the full document see Yemen: Huthi armed group must end crackdown on human rights defenders and NGOs
For more information or to arrange an interview please contact:
Amnesty International press office, MENA Press Officer on +44 20 7413 5511 email: [email protected] or Amnesty International’s press office in London on +44 (0) 20 7413 5566 or +44 (0) 777 847 2126 email: [email protected]