Disappearances and Arbitrary Arrests in the Armed Conflict with Huthi Rebels in Yemen

This 47-page report documents 62 cases of unlawful and arbitrary arrest in connection with the conflict in northern Yemen that since 2004 has periodically erupted into heavy clashes. Yemeni human rights groups have credibly documented hundreds of cases of unlawful arrests, and in August 2008 the government spoke of more than 1,200 political prisoners. The government has detained some individuals as hostages in order to pressure wanted family members to surrender, while arresting others for publicizing government abuses during the conflict.