Houthi Violation of Social Norms Raises Eyebrows
In this April 12, 2015 photo, Yemeni women sit with their children at a boarding fracility run by the UN High Commission for Refugees in Obock, a small port in Djibouti on the northern shore of the Gulf of Tadjoura, where it opens out into the Gulf of Aden. (AFP)
Houthi militants have violated all norms and traditions held dear by generations of Yemeni people. They ignore Yemeni pride and integrity as they target women and girls, despite the fact that the latter are not involved in combat or even in demonstrations against the insurgents.
Yemeni traditions and norms criminalize any insult or attack on women. They despise any person who commits such a crime.
The latest of these crimes involved the shooting death of a Yemeni girl while she was walking in Aden. The sight of the girl falling to the ground with blood all over her body shocked the majority of Yemeni people who are used to respecting women and protecting them against any attack or assault.
Since the Houthis took control of Yemeni cities by force, the nation has witnessed many black events committed by these criminals, starting with demolishing houses, to shooting innocent people.
One Houthi sniper recently shot a housewife while she was inside her house in the Kreter neighborhood in Aden. When a car approached to rescue her, it was also targeted. The housewife died.
The Houthis also track down female activists who object to and reject their coup, including National Dialogue Conference member Nadia Abdullah. Political activist Waleed Al-Jamloly said these incidents are very grave and serious insults reflecting the Houthis’ rejection not only of the legitimacy of the government, but also the social norms and traditions inherited through the generations.
Speaking to a local publication, Al-Jamloly said: “Our Yemeni social traditions are based on respecting women and their privacy even in war times. (Former President Ali Abdullah) Saleh and the Houthis are now considered exemplary in committing such ‘black shame.’ In the past, the Houthis tried to exile Entisar Sharhan, claiming that her ex-husband opposed their thoughts and opinions.”