Yemen Monitor/Newsroom:
The Yemeni Network for Rights and Freedoms reported that the Houthi group carried out raids in several neighborhoods of the capital, Sana’a, over the past few days, leading to the arrest of 45 citizens and the confiscation of electronic devices. The arrests were made on the pretext of individuals using the Starlink satellite internet service.
In a statement, the network described these actions as a violation of privacy and freedom of communication, noting that significant financial fines were imposed on the detainees without legal justification.
The network also expressed concern about the exploitation of academic institutions in propaganda campaigns against satellite internet, citing that students and academics at the College of Computer in Sana’a University were forced to attend seminars on the matter.
The network called for the immediate release of the detainees and an end to the intimidation campaigns, urging the international community to investigate these violations and hold those responsible accountable.
It is worth noting that the Houthi group had warned against using the Starlink service in areas under their control. In contrast, the internationally recognized Yemeni government welcomed the launch of the service, considering it a step towards improving internet services in the country and breaking the monopoly of the state-owned internet company controlled by the group in Sana’a.
