The Houthi militias in Yemen have not only launched summer camps and school curricula promoting hatred and violence, but they've also extended their reach to all aspects related to joy and hope. There are no musical concerts, theater performances, or artistic works allowed unless they align with the militia's agenda.
A Yemeni representative, who requested anonymity due to fears of retaliation from the group, revealed that artists, whether actors or singers, are unable to express themselves freely, according to a report by the "Asharq Al-Awsat" newspaper published today. He added that these artists live under a tight siege, indicating that even filming series for production companies faces prohibition because the Houthi militias require these companies to commit to not selling their series to television stations that oppose the coup.
Sectarian Series
He noted that the only channels that purchase local series are those broadcasting from abroad, while the Houthis produce their own sectarian series. Additionally, Amin, one of the few producers, emphasized that attempting to produce a music session with artists in areas controlled by the militias puts one at risk of punishment and imprisonment, as was recently the case with artist Youssef Al-Badji. This artist faced a raid by the militias at his home, where he was arrested on charges of collaborating with an opposing television channel.
Moreover, elements of the militias raided a wedding hall in the Shumlan area west of Sana'a about a week before this incident, arresting young artist Aseel Ali and incarcerating him for singing after 10 PM.
Arrests and Repression
In a similar context, well-known artist Fouad Al-Kabsi was arrested and prevented from entering the city of Al-Hudaydah, a fate shared by artist Abdullah Al-Saadi. The militias later escalated their repression by forcefully collecting signatures from residents in the Al-Hudaydah, Amran, Hajjah, and Al-Mahwit governorates on a petition demanding a ban on singing at weddings. Public events and graduation parties at universities have also been prohibited in all areas under their control.
"Limiting Artists"
Furthermore, the arts have been suppressed by a directive issued by the governor of Sana'a province addressed to the directors of the districts and local council heads, instructing them to limit the presence of artists at events and weddings. It is noteworthy that artists in Houthi-controlled areas face various forms of pressure and violations, such as the abduction and detention of artist and model Intsar Al-Hamadi in Houthi prisons for over a year, where she was subjected to psychological and physical torture, had her hair forcibly cut, and faced fabricated charges leading to an illegal five-year prison sentence. The Houthis have also shut down cafes, cultural clubs, and restaurants in Sana'a since consolidating their grip on the city under the pretext of preventing mixed gatherings.
