Siyaj explodes resounding scandal about child rape crimes in Aden

ADEN, May 24 (YPA) – The Siyaj Organization for Childhood Protection (SOCP) has exposed as a major scandal involving crimes of child rape and sexual exploitation that have shaken public opinion in the southern Yemeni city of Aden in recent days, revealing serious organizational and political dimensions behind the violations.

In a statement, “Siyaj” said that crimes of sexual exploitation targeting children and women in Aden are being carried out systematically through organized and funded networks equipped with logistical capabilities that enable them to penetrate society and target the most vulnerable groups, including underage girls, juveniles, and women.

The organization added that field evidence points to the involvement and protection of certain officials and influential political and security figures in Aden, accusing them of using their authority to shield perpetrators, guarantee their impunity, and issue illegal orders for their release.

Siyaj called for decisive sovereign and legal measures to dismantle the networks involved in the sexual exploitation of children and women in Aden, as well as the dismissal and prosecution of security leaders allegedly implicated in the crimes.

The controversy intensified after human rights activists circulated a video allegedly showing a military commander affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council committing an abusive act against a child.

The footage triggered widespread public outrage, with activists on social media demanding accountability for security officials in southern Yemen, including the interior minister in the Saudi-backed Aden government, accusing authorities of allowing the suspect to escape before being brought to trial.

Activists also claimed that additional videos and documents exist which they say demonstrate that child rape and exploitation crimes were carried out in an organized manner under the protection of influential political factions in southern Yemen.