Prominent lawyer abducted in Aden

ADEN, June 14 (YPA) – Aden, which is under the control of the Saudi-led coalition, witnessed a large-scale women’s protest on Saturday in response to the continued deterioration of basic services, and the collapse of living standards, amid a crackdown on the city’s most prominent human rights activists.”

Hundreds of women in the Al-Mualla district raised up banners denouncing ongoing power and water outages, soaring food prices, and the lack of any meaningful improvement in services—despite the recent return of the head of the “Presidential Leadership Council” and the pro-coalition  government to Al-Maashiq Palace ahead of Eid al-Adha.

According to human rights sources in Aden, UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces abducted lawyer Afrah Hariri following her participation in the protest and took her to an unknown  location.

The sources described Hariri’s abduction and the assault on female protesters as blatant violations of women’s rights, especially those demanding access to electricity, clean water, healthcare, and a dignified life.

They noted that the kidnapping was likely in retaliation for Hariri’s prominent role in organizing and leading women’s demonstrations in Aden.

The protest is part of a broader grassroots movement demanding improved public services and economic reform—none of which have materialized despite promises made by President Rashad Al-Alimi and his government upon their return to Al-Ma’ashiq Palace.

Women-led protests in Aden continue to grow, even as the STC factions intensify their crackdown, reportedly abducting dozens of activists since the wave of demonstrations began in April.

@E.Y.M