Houthi Militiamen Attempt to Kidnap Lawyer's Client in Sana'a

Houthi militiamen, reportedly wearing security uniforms, intercepted a lawyer's vehicle in the capital, Sana'a, on Saturday afternoon in an attempted abduction of his client, who is the alleged victim in fraud and breach of trust cases involving hundreds of millions of Yemeni Riyals.

Sanan Mansour Bairaq, the lawyer, detailed the incident on Facebook, stating it occurred shortly after leaving the Public Prosecution's office in the Southeast Secretariat following a hearing concerning his client. Bairaq asserted that his client is the aggrieved party in the case.

He further explained that masked assailants on a motorcycle intercepted the vehicle in the Al-Jarada area, approximately 300 meters from the prosecution office. Bairaq identified one of the assailants as a soldier who had previously escorted the opposing party in the case to the prosecution during prior investigation sessions. The armed individuals reportedly boarded the vehicle without authorization, demanding the client accompany them to a police station without presenting any arrest warrant or official summons.

Bairaq informed the security personnel that he intended to proceed to the Inspector General's office within the Ministry of Interior to verify the procedures. This action prompted the assailants to depart. Subsequently, the client confirmed through contacts with security authorities that there were no official directives for his apprehension or summons.

The lawyer accused individuals associated with the Houthi-controlled security apparatus of acting on behalf of influential parties for financial gain. He described the incident as a "dangerous overreach" that undermines the role of security institutions in protecting citizens.