Houthi Militants Arbitrarily Detain Judge and Two Lawyers in Hodeidah

Houthi militia security forces in Hodeidah Governorate, reportedly led by Aziz Abdullah Al-Jaradi—the militia-appointed director of security—have arbitrarily detained a judge and two lawyers while they were performing their judicial duties, an incident that has sparked widespread condemnation within legal circles.

Judicial sources indicated that Houthi elements apprehended Judge Mohammed Al-Suleili of the Al-Hali Primary Court, along with lawyers Aziz Al-Dhubaybi and Nidal Al-Humairi, on Tuesday afternoon, February 10, 2026. The detentions occurred while the officials were on-site to inspect disputed developments related to an urgent case. The three individuals were subsequently transported by vehicles belonging to the so-called ‘Emergency Police’ to the Governorate Security Directorate.

Legal professionals view this action as a clear legal violation. They assert that no judge may be detained for actions related to their judicial duties unless the Public Prosecutor requests the Supreme Judicial Council to lift immunity, and only if the incident involves a criminal nature. They emphasized that detaining a judge due to their official work constitutes a crime punishable by law as obstruction of justice and an assault on the court's authority—a non-statute-barred offense for which the judge has the right to file an official report and demand appropriate penalties.

Furthermore, the lawyers noted that detaining a lawyer based on work-related activities is unlawful without authorization from the Public Prosecutor, citing established guarantees designed to protect the legal profession and ensure its independence.

This latest event occurs amidst a documented escalation of violations and assaults against judges and lawyers—key pillars of the justice system—perpetrated by Houthi security leaders and elements over recent years. Legal experts have voiced criticism regarding the perceived inability of professional syndicates, including the Yemeni Judges Club and the Lawyers Syndicate, to adopt decisive stances against these ongoing practices.