10/05/2016 JAL Case No Country Mandate(s) YEM 2/2016 Yemen Freedom of expression; Freedom of peaceful assembly and of association; Human rights defenders; Summary of the allegation transmitted Allegations of harassment and arbitrary arrest of a human rights defender, as well as of a smear campaign on the Internet against him and a non-governmental organisation. According to the information received, Mr. Abdulrasheed al-Faqih, the Director of Mwatana Organisation for Human Rights, was interrogated by Houthi militia in Sana’a International Airport as he was returning from Jordan, where he had participated in an international conference on the protection of journalists. He was released after his passport had been confiscated. Previously, in August and September 2015, he was arrested and beaten by Houthi authorities and Houthi women. Furthermore, Mwatana Organisation for Human Rights has reportedly been subjected to an online smear campaign by the Houthi militia. Concern is expressed at the repeated harassment and arbitrary arrests, as well as physical abuse, of Mr. Al-Faqih that seem to be measures of intimidation and retaliation against him for his legitimate and peaceful human rights work at the Mwatana Organisation for Human Rights. Further concerns is expressed at the smear campaign on the Internet directed at Mr. Al-Faqih and the Mwatana Organisation for Human Rights and the deterrent effect it may have on the rights to freedom of expression and association. Reply A/HRC/33/32 78 Date Type