Activist arrested in Taiz by UAE-backed forces

TAIZ, Dec. 18 (YPA) – Social activist Mushir Al-Anbari was arrested by UAE-funded “Tariq Afash” forces in Dhubab District, western Taiz, in what has been described as a crackdown on freedom of expression.

Al-Anbari’s arrest came after he made a comment in a WhatsApp group criticizing mismanagement at Dhubab District Hospital, including the neglect of an emergency appendix case.

He was reportedly taken to a faction-controlled prison, subjected to coercive interrogation, and forced to sign a pledge to stop posting on social media and cease criticism of the deteriorating conditions in the district.

The activist has also been barred from entering the hospital in the future. His arrest has sparked widespread anger in the Tihamah region, with activists calling it “a blatant attack on citizens’ right to criticize public services” and “a return to authoritarian-era practices.”

The arrest comes amid a systematic escalation against freedom of expression in Tihamah for minor reasons in areas under the control of the UAE-backed “Tariq Afash” factions. In recent months, similar cases have been reported in Mocha, Al Khawkhah, and Al-Waziyah.

@E.Y.M

.