By Faisal Abu Bakr | 2025-10-23

Crime has surged dramatically in Houthi-controlled areas, with most perpetrators linked to the militia’s leadership or fighters returning from the frontlines.

Human rights activists say these crimes – ranging from murders and kidnappings to domestic assaults – are fueled by extremist indoctrination and the Houthis’ manipulation of judicial institutions.

The Yemeni Network for Rights and Freedoms reported a staggering 500 percent rise in crime this year in areas under Houthi control.

Its September 10 report attributed this spike to sectarian indoctrination, militia impunity, and deteriorating economic and psychological conditions.

The report documented a wave of brutal crimes in the provinces of Raymah, Ibb, al-Jawf, al-Bayda, Sanaa, and Amran, noting that many perpetrators are Houthi leaders or fighters shaped by the group’s extremist ideology.

"The increase in domestic crimes in Houthi-controlled areas is a direct result of the sectarian courses and criminal ideology espoused by the terrorist militia, which are major factors in fueling violence and the unraveling of the social fabric," said Muhammed al-Omda, head of the Yemeni Network for Rights and Freedoms.

"The majority of crimes are committed by Houthi leaders and elements returning from battlefronts and ideological courses, signaling a deep collapse of the social and value system," he added.

Al-Omda warned that every young man brainwashed during sectarian training represents a potential killer for his family and community.

The militia "sows discord and spreads a culture of death, directly opposing values of mercy and coexistence," he said.

Immunity through loyalty

Deputy Minister of Justice Faisal al-Majeedi said the surge in crime stems from the Houthis’ deliberate dismantling of Yemen’s judicial system.

"The increase in crime in Houthi-controlled areas is a direct consequence of the group seizing control of security and judicial institutions and making radical changes to the entire judicial apparatus, from the Supreme Judicial Council down to the smallest courts," he told Al-Fassel.

He said that "the Houthis created parallel security and judicial institutions to disrupt judicial work and gain complete control over it."

The group also established intelligence agencies such as the Preventive Security Service (PSS) and the Revolutionary Security Service, led by Ali Hussein al-Houthi, granting members undeclared immunity as long as they remain loyal.

"Seeking to control through chaos and fear, the militia targets those outside its social base, causing the disintegration of the social fabric and an unprecedented surge in crime," al-Majeedi said.

Economist Abdul Aziz Thabet pointed to economic collapse and corruption as key drivers of the crisis.

"Deteriorating economic conditions have caused a collapse of the values of coexistence and solidarity, leaving citizens acutely vulnerable to violence and exploitation," he said.

"The disastrous economic policies and the widespread weapons proliferation among the group's elements are major contributors to the high crime rates," he added.

"Houthi rule threatens civil peace and creates hotspots of systematic terrorism in all areas under their control," Thabet warned.