Al-Fassel | 2026-01-20

The Houthis' reign of terror, marked by sham trials, executions and manipulative tactics, continues to exacerbate the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Houthi executions: A mockery of justice

The group's actions exemplify a blatant disregard for human rights, as seen in the recent announcement to execute three citizens in Yemen's al-Mahweet Governorate.

According to Yemen's Ministry of Human Rights, these death sentences are based on confessions extracted through continuous and brutal torture.

Such decisions often arise from politically motivated sham trials, with verdicts based on confessions obtained through relentless torture, a grave violation of international law.

These acts do not merely represent miscarriages of justice; they actively weaponize the judicial process to fuel a campaign of fear and silence dissent.

Manipulation and repression as tools of terror

The Houthis' approach to sustaining power relies heavily on manipulation and repression, eroding any foundation for peace.

This was evident in their conduct during the Muscat talks, a forum intended to facilitate the exchange of prisoners under agreed "all for all" principles.

Instead, the Houthis have sidestepped commitments, prolonging human suffering through enforced disappearances, unlawful detentions and torture.

These many Yemenis are subjected to illegal trials designed to intimidate not just the victims, but Yemeni society at large.

Local organizations have called for urgent action, highlighting how Houthis exploit negotiations as a facade, only to sabotage agreements and perpetuate instability.

This ongoing manipulation underscores their disregard for any progress toward relief, justice or meaningful solutions.

The crushing toll on Yemenis

The impact of Houthi aggression is most visible in the lives of innocent Yemeni civilians.

Arbitrary abduction, brutal torture, and public executions show a climate of terror and deprivation.

These actions exacerbate the humanitarian crisis by displacing families, eroding societal trust, and reducing access to justice.

Civilians are left powerless, with their suffering only heightened by the fear of becoming the next victims of Houthi brutality.

Their sham trials and executions betray any semblance of justice, while their backtracking on negotiations ensures that peace remains an elusive dream.

The atrocities committed by the Houthis are a central driver of the crisis in Yemen.

Recognizing this reality is essential to understanding their responsibility for the suffering of countless Yemenis.