Iran-backed Houthis arrest dozens of artists and singers in Yemen's Amran

The Houthi militia forces in the Amran Governorate of Yemen have been conducting a large-scale intimidation campaign against artists and singers to prevent them from performing or singing at venues and events.

Videos showing violent incursions by armed Houthi militants into venues and event halls as the men arrest and abruptly end the celebrations have been circulated on social media over the past few weeks.

According to reports from Yemen, the forces have abducted over 40 artists, singers and wedding hall owners so far. Purportedly, these people are being held in pretrial detention centers for over two months now – under the accusation that they are refusing to pledge not to allow artists to perform at their establishments.