Geneva – SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties states that the Houthi armed group, led by Abdul-Malik al-Houthi and Mahdi al-Mashat, head of its Political Council, bears full responsibility for the enforced disappearance of Yemeni politician and Islah Party leader Mohammed Qahtan since his detention in April 2015.
Credible information obtained by SAM from a source close to the case reveals that Qahtan was initially placed under strict house arrest in Sana’a before being detained by an armed group in civilian clothing. Days later, he was moved to a villa in the Hadda neighborhood, previously owned by Sheikh Hamid al-Ahmar, which the Houthis seized after taking control of Sana’a.
Following Qahtan’s instructions at the time of his detention, his family contacted Abdulqader Hilal, former mayor of Sana’a, who arranged the only permitted visit, overseen by Mahdi al-Mashat, who directly managed Qahtan’s case. During the visit, Hilal and al-Mashat met Qahtan for 15 minutes. A brief family visit followed, during which Qahtan appeared resilient despite clear psychological strain, stating he had completed reciting the Quran in four days and reassuring his family, saying, “It’s only four days, and they will release me.” This was the last contact with Qahtan.Despite the family sending food to his detention site for several days, a guard later stated, “There is no one by that name here.” All subsequent attempts to obtain verified information have failed.
The family organized protests, appealed to human rights organizations, and met with the UN Special Envoy, but faced delays and denials. Eventually, Houthi leaders conveyed a message: “Qahtan is in the hands of the Leader, and no one can intervene,” directly implicating Abdul-Malik al-Houthi.SAM contacted a family member to verify these details, who confirmed the single visit but declined to elaborate, expressing hope for progress in Qahtan’s case.
SAM asserts that Qahtan’s treatment constitutes enforced disappearance under Article 2 of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and Article 7/1(i) of the Rome Statute, classifying it as a crime against humanity when systematic or widespread. His detention without legal basis or judicial review violates Articles 9, 14, and 16 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Yemen’s international obligations.SAM holds Abdul-Malik al-Houthi and Mahdi al-Mashat directly accountable, given their leadership roles and direct oversight of Qahtan’s case.SAM demands: