Moujib al-Mikhlafi, a Yemeni education expert and trainer, has been arbitrarily detained by Huthi de facto authorities since October 10, 2023, in Sana’a, Yemen. On September 1, 2024, a Huthi-affiliated TV channel aired a video where he was forced to “confess” to being part of a so-called “spying network” targeting Yemen’s education sector. If charged with spying, Moujib could face the death penalty.
Since his arrest, he has endured numerous human rights violations. These include enforced disappearance, being held incommunicado, and being denied access to a lawyer. He was also placed in solitary confinement for over three months, an act that constitutes ill-treatment and may amount to torture.
Moujib al-Mikhlafi must be released immediately. His detention is unjust, and the violations against him must end now.
Here’s what you can do:
Write to the Spokesperson of the Ansarullah movement urging the authorities to:
- Immediately release Moujib al-Mikhlafi and ensure his protection from torture and other ill-treatment while in detention.
- Provide him with access to legal counsel and regular family contact.
- Ensure he receives adequate healthcare during his detention.
Write to:
Ansarullah Spokesperson Mohamed Abdelsalam
X: @abdusalamsalah
Email: mdabdalsalam@gmail.com
Salutation: Dear Mohamed Abdelsalam
Detention and legal concerns
Moujib al-Mikhlafi, an education expert, was arbitrarily detained by Huthi de facto authorities on October 10, 2023, after 24 years of service at the Ministry of Education in Sana’a. His work involved training school staff on children’s rights, peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and nonviolent communication. After his detention, Moujib’s family filed appeals to multiple authorities, including the head of the Supreme Political Council and the Huthi leader’s office, but they have received no response. His detention violates both Yemeni law and international human rights agreements, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Health concerns and denial of care
In March 2024, Moujib’s family became increasingly concerned about his health, which was reportedly deteriorating. He suffers from diabetes and high blood pressure, conditions that require proper medical attention. According to Amnesty International, detainees in Huthi-run detention centers are often subjected to poor conditions and denied adequate healthcare. These findings raise serious fears for Moujib’s well-being while in detention.
Spying allegations and smear campaign
On June 10, 2024, Huthi authorities announced the “discovery” of a supposed spying network. Since then, they have aired a series of videos on Huthi-affiliated Al Masira TV featuring forced confessions from detainees. Moujib al-Mikhlafi appeared in one such video on September 1, 2024, where he was falsely accused of being part of a plot to undermine Yemen’s education sector. Similar cases of persecution have been documented by Amnesty International, where charges of spying have been used to silence journalists, human rights defenders, and political opponents through unfair trials.
Please take action as soon as possible until December 25, 2024! The UA will be duly updated should there be the need for further action.
