Amnesty International has issued an urgent call for the immediate and unconditional release of Abdul Majid Sabra, a prominent human rights lawyer in Yemen. He was detained on September 25 in Sana’a by Huthi de facto authorities, an act the rights group describes as arbitrary and solely related to his peaceful expression online.
The detention is seen as part of a larger, escalating campaign by Huthi authorities to suppress dissent and restrict civic space in the northern regions of the country. Sabra's whereabouts remain unknown to his family, who have been unable to contact him since his arrest.
Key Takeaways
- Human rights lawyer Abdul Majid Sabra was detained in Sana’a on September 25.
- Amnesty International states the detention is arbitrary and linked to his social media activity.
- The arrest is part of a wider crackdown on activists and critics in Huthi-controlled areas.
- Sabra’s location is undisclosed, and he has had no contact with his family or legal counsel.
Details of the Detention
Abdul Majid Sabra was taken from his office in Yemen's capital, Sana’a, by a group of armed individuals. According to a relative, the group included members of Huthi armed forces and men dressed in civilian clothing. They presented an arrest warrant before taking him into custody.
The reason cited for the arrest was Sabra's social media posts commemorating the anniversary of Yemen’s 26th of September Revolution. During the arrest, his mobile phone and documents related to his human rights work were confiscated. Since then, Huthi authorities have not provided any information regarding his location or condition.
Confiscation of Professional Materials
The seizure of documents related to Abdul Majid Sabra's work as a human rights lawyer raises concerns about the confidentiality and safety of the individuals he represents. This action can have a chilling effect on legal defense for others facing similar charges.
Amnesty International's Response
The human rights organization has strongly condemned the detention, labeling it a serious escalation in the suppression of free speech. Diala Haidar, a Yemen researcher at Amnesty International, highlighted Sabra's long-standing dedication to human rights in the country.
“Abdul Majid Sabra is one of Yemen’s most prominent human rights defenders. He has worked tirelessly for years to defend those detained based on their peaceful exercise of their human rights. His courage and dedication have made him the target of repeated harassment and threats from the Huthi authorities,” stated Haidar.
Amnesty International frames the arrest not as an isolated incident but as a deliberate move to silence critical voices. The organization is demanding that until his release, authorities must ensure he is protected from torture and other forms of ill-treatment and be granted immediate access to his family and a lawyer.
“Abdul Majid Sabra’s arbitrary detention marks a further and chilling escalation of the Huthis’ relentless efforts to silence anyone they view as a critic of their policies. This travesty of justice must stop,” Haidar added.
Context of the September 26 Anniversary
The date of Sabra's social media posts, September 26, is historically significant in Yemen. It marks the anniversary of the 1962 revolution that led to the establishment of the Yemen Arab Republic in the country's north. Celebrations often involve public gatherings, torch-lighting ceremonies, and displaying the flag of the Yemeni Republic.
A Pattern of Repression
Amnesty International has previously documented a pattern of arrests by Huthi authorities targeting individuals who peacefully commemorate the September 26 anniversary. These crackdowns often involve rounding up scores of people who participate in public celebrations.
This year, reports indicate a similar wave of detentions. According to a lawyer monitoring the situation, dozens of people were arrested in northern governorates for marking the day. The lawyer noted that individuals were stopped at checkpoints, where their phones were searched for content related to the anniversary.
Ironically, Abdul Majid Sabra has a history of providing legal assistance to those detained in previous years for commemorating this same event. “It is outrageous that people commemorating a national historical moment by peacefully celebrating or posting on social media are being arrested,” said Diala Haidar. She emphasized Sabra's role as one of the few lawyers willing to defend these detainees.
A Broader Crackdown on Civil Society
Sabra's detention is situated within a much wider context of repression against civil society in areas under Huthi control. In recent years, the space for free expression and activism has shrunk dramatically.
The list of those targeted includes a wide range of individuals:
- Humanitarian aid workers
- Human rights defenders
- Journalists and media professionals
- Political and social activists
This systematic effort to silence dissent has created a climate of fear, making it increasingly difficult for independent organizations and individuals to operate. The arrests often involve enforced disappearances, where the whereabouts of the detained are concealed from their families and legal representatives.
Amnesty International specifically referenced the dozens of United Nations and civil society staff who were arrested and forcibly disappeared in 2024 and 2025. The organization reiterated its call for the release of all individuals who remain in arbitrary detention for exercising their fundamental human rights.
The international community is being urged to pressure the Huthi de facto authorities to cease these practices, release all political prisoners, and respect international human rights law, including the rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.