A Yemeni doctor was physically assaulted and verbally abused by Houthi security personnel at Al-Thawra Hospital in Sana'a, an incident that has prompted widespread condemnation and calls for accountability and legal protections for medical staff. Local sources reported that Dr. Mohammed Dabwan, a cardiologist who has been working at the hospital for years, was attacked on Thursday. The incident occurred when he attempted to enter the hospital through the patient entrance, rather than a separate gate recently established by the Houthi security administration for staff. According to the sources, Houthi guards prevented the doctor from entering and proceeded to assault him in a manner described as humiliating, despite his long-standing role as a hospital staff member. The security forces affiliated with the militia have reportedly implemented new regulations in recent days, separating entrances for staff and patients. These measures have been accompanied by treatment of hospital employees described as demeaning, even as many doctors and healthcare workers continue to perform long hours amid unpaid salaries. The incident has generated strong reactions within the medical community. Activists and doctors are demanding an urgent investigation, prosecution of those responsible, and the enactment of specific legislation to protect medical personnel from assault while carrying out their duties. This event is part of a pattern of violations by the Houthi militia against the healthcare sector in areas under their control. The militia faces recurrent accusations of undermining government hospitals, interfering in their administration, and exerting influence over public and private health institutions, exacerbating the deterioration of medical services and the suffering of healthcare workers. |
