Houthi Militias Assault Education Official Over Exam Integrity in Al-Dhale

An education official in the Al-Dhale governorate, Yemen, was reportedly assaulted within his workplace by individuals appointed by Houthi militias. The incident, which occurred in the Juban district, stemmed from the official's refusal to condone alleged cheating and fraud during secondary school examinations.

Local sources informed "Khaba" news agency that Naji Saeed Sabir, head of the examinations department and deputy director of the Education Office in Juban, was physically assaulted on Wednesday. The alleged perpetrators are the Director of the Office, Firas Al-Nusairi, who was appointed by the Houthi militias, and a staff member from the examinations department named Hatem Al-Khalidi. The assault reportedly took place on the premises of the Education Office.

According to the sources, the attack followed Sabir's stance against alleged practices that included facilitating cheating through the use of "cheat sheets," as well as complicity in impersonating a female student to take the exam in exchange for financial compensation. The sources further stated that the Director of the Office filed a complaint against Sabir with the Governorate's Education Office, which the sources described as "vindictive." This complaint reportedly contained an account of the incident contrary to the facts and led to a decision to suspend Sabir from his duties and initiate proceedings to remove him from his position as head of the examinations department.

Local residents have called for an independent and transparent investigation into the incident, demanding accountability for those responsible for the assault and for those involved in facilitating cheating within examination centers. These developments coincide with a rise in similar complaints across the governorate.

A document from the Parents' Council in the Al-Hasha district, bearing the signatures of its chairman, Ahmed Khaled Muthanna, and council member, Adel Murshid, revealed the imposition of financial charges on students in exchange for permission to cheat. According to informed sources, these funds are allegedly distributed among examination committees and school administrations, amidst accusations of involvement by Houthi elements who manage these schools and examination committees.