The Houthi militia has referred Dr. Abdul Nasser Al-Rubaie, an immunization official with the World Health Organization, to the Specialized Penal Prosecution in the Yemeni capital, Sana'a. This action follows his detention for over two years and three months on charges related to vaccination programs. Human rights sources indicated that Al-Rubaie, who was abducted on June 8, 2024, was transferred to the Specialized Penal Prosecution, which handles terrorism and state security cases. This development is part of a broader crackdown affecting numerous health sector workers and individuals involved in immunization efforts. Al-Rubaie's arrest was part of a campaign launched by the Houthi militia against health professionals and employees of international organizations. This campaign coincided with restrictions imposed by the group on immunization campaigns and medical activities. Although the militia later rescinded some of its decisions regarding vaccination bans, it continued to detain Al-Rubaie and several of his colleagues associated with the vaccination file before their referral to the specialized prosecution. Sources confirmed that a number of individuals arrested in connection with vaccination programs remain in detention, despite the militia's retraction of prior measures and decisions concerning immunization programs. |
