Human Rights Network Condemns Abduction of Academic Ashwaq al-Shamiri, Demands Immediate Release
Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
The Yemeni Network for Rights and Freedoms has condemned, in the strongest possible terms, the abduction of academic Ashwaq Suleiman al-Shamiri from her home in the capital, Sana’a. The network expressed deep concern over her continued enforced disappearance to this day, calling it a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and human rights law.
The network’s field team in Sana’a confirmed that Houthi militias stormed al-Shamiri’s home in the Madhbah neighborhood in late November 2025. The raid involved military armored vehicles and female elements known as the “Zainabiyat.” She was abducted and taken to an unknown location without any legal justification or judicial warrant.
The network pointed out that the abduction and enforced disappearance of a female civilian and academic represents a grave crime and a blatant violation of fundamental rights—foremost among them the right to liberty and personal security. It added that this crime reflects a dangerous escalation in the targeting of women and academic professionals as part of a systematic policy to silence civilian voices and spread terror throughout society.
The network held the Houthi militia fully legally and humanely responsible for the safety of Ashwaq al-Shamiri, demanding her immediate and unconditional release, the disclosure of her place of detention, and the guarantee of her physical and psychological well-being.
Finally, the network called upon the international community and UN human rights mechanisms to intervene urgently and apply pressure to stop the crime of enforced disappearance, hold all those involved accountable, and prevent impunity, according to sources from the Yemeni Network for Rights and Freedoms.
