Al-Mayahi’s Lawyer: Continued Detention Over Demand for “Five Million” is a Violation of the Law

Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:

The lawyer for journalist Mohamed Al-Mayahi, who is detained by the Houthi group, revealed that his continued detention—over the demand for a payment of five million riyals as a guarantee—constitutes a clear violation of the law and judicial rulings, despite an appellate release order having been issued for him since December 28, 2025.

In a post on his Facebook account, lawyer Ammar Yasin Al-Ahdal explained that Al-Mayahi is legally considered free from the moment the ruling was issued by the competent court division. He emphasized that the public prosecution has not filed any appeal against the appellate ruling, making his release mandatory for immediate enforcement.

Al-Ahdal added that the appellate ruling revoked all complementary penalties, including supervision and financial bail. He noted that more than six judges have approved Al-Mayahi’s release and signed the official release procedures, but the execution was stalled by an enforcement officer who demanded the guarantee payment without any legal basis.

The lawyer indicated that a formal complaint has been filed against the officer, but procedures remain stalled, with continued delays and repeated postponements. Al-Ahdal stressed that obstructing a final judicial ruling constitutes a violation of the state’s authority, emphasizing that the application of the law and respect for the judiciary are fundamental to the state’s dignity and respect. He stated: “I can argue with judges, but I have failed in front of an enforcement officer.”

Previously, Yemen Monitor highlighted the case yesterday, pointing out the delay in his release for a week despite the ruling issued on December 28, 2025, by the specialized appellate criminal division in Sana’a, which is controlled by the Houthi group.