Condemnation Statement:
Houthis Militia Storm As-Sunnah Mosque in Sana’a
Houthis Militia Storm As-Sunnah Mosque in Sana’a and Escalate Sectarian Campaign Against Mosques and Preachers
Iradah Organization against Torture and Enforced Disappearances strongly condemns the latest crime committed by the armed Houthis militia, who stormed As-Sunnah Mosque in Sawan district of the capital, Sana’a, and prevented the preacher, Sheikh Abdulbasit Al-Raidi, from ascending the pulpit and delivering his sermon, a blatant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship and the rights of worshippers to practice their religion freely and safely.
Dozens of Houthi elements forcibly raided the mosque, seized the pulpit by coercion and chanted sectarian slogans under the protection of security forces and vehicles belonging to what is known as the “Central Security,” in a scene that reflects the militia’s blatant disregard for both religious and human values.
These violations also extended to Dhamar Governorate, where the militia stormed a Salafi mosque and center in Zarajah area of Al-Hada’a District, detaining several of its administrators. This constitutes a clear breach of the “Coexistence and Brotherhood” agreement signed in 2014 between Houthis and the group led by Sheikh Mohammed Al-Imam, which stipulated respect for the freedom of religious preaching and education and non-interference in sectarian affairs.
Iradah Organization affirms that these attacks are part of a systematic sectarian campaign targeting the Salafi movement and religious schools in Sana’a and Dhamar. The militia has closed over 100 mosques and religious centers affiliated with Sheikh Mohammed Al-Imam in an attempt to impose its sectarian ideology by force and to marginalize all other religious and intellectual components.
What the Houthis are practicing constitutes a serious violation of freedom of belief and worship and a flagrant breach of international charters, foremost among them the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It also represents an extension of the methods employed by terrorist groups to suppress dissent and exploit religion for extremist agendas.
Accordingly, Iradah Organization against Torture and Enforced Disappearances:Holds Houthis militia fully responsible for the safety of Sheikh Abdulbasit Al-Raidi and his students, as well as all imams and preachers who have been detained or harassed in their areas of control.
Calls upon the international community, the United Nations and the Human Rights Council to urgently condemn these violations, protect freedom of worship and thought in Yemen and take necessary legal measures to halt these sectarian practices.
Urges the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to stand in solidarity with Sunni communities in Yemen, support them in defending their religious rights and ensure all parties adhere to agreements on peaceful coexistence.
Calls on all human rights and religious organizations to document and clearly condemn these crimes and to reject any silence that encourages perpetrators to continue their abuses.
Iradah Organization stresses that attacks on houses of worship are a violation of the humanity of all Yemenis and that continued sectarian practices by the militia will lead the country toward further division, hatred and violence. The organization reiterates its commitment to combat all forms of oppression, torture and enforced disappearance and to defend the Yemeni people’s right to freedom, dignity and safe worship.
Issued by:Iradah Organization against Torture and Enforced
Disappearances 23 October 2025
