30 May 2021 – Yemen

The Women’s Solidarity Network condemns the continued arbitrary detention of actress Entisar Al-Hammadi, who has been held without legal basis since 20 February 2021, after being apprehended at an unmarked security checkpoint established by the Houthi group in Sana’a.

The circumstances of her detention are in clear violation of the Yemeni Code of Criminal Procedures (Law No. 13 of 1994). Al-Hammadi was arrested without a warrant, denied access to legal representation, and held in detention without being formally charged for over three months before being presented to the Public Prosecutor.

Her ongoing detention constitutes a breach of Yemeni law, which mandates that any person arrested must be referred to the Public Prosecution within 24 hours, and must be presented with formal charges. Continued detention without a prosecutorial order is unlawful, and any extension of custody must be authorized by a competent judge. None of these legal safeguards were respected in Al-Hammadi’s case.

Moreover, the Houthi group has subjected her to coercive and degrading treatment, including forcing her to sign documents while blindfolded—an act aimed at fabricating malicious charges against her and undermining her right to a fair trial.

The Women’s Solidarity Network urgently calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Entisar Al-Hammadi, the full restoration of her rights and dignity, and for those responsible for her arbitrary detention and ill-treatment to be held accountable through judicial proceedings. She must also be compensated in accordance with the harm suffered.

We further demand an immediate end to the use of arbitrary detention against civilians, particularly women. The UN Group of Eminent Experts has documented severe violations committed by the Houthi group against civilian women, including arbitrary arrest, sexual violence, and torture.

Issued by: The Women’s Solidarity Network

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