Activist Detained, Assaulted in Taiz Amid Calls for Release

Activist Atheel Al-Sharaf was assaulted and detained by soldiers in the city of Al-Turbah, Taiz Governorate, on Monday, August 17, 2026, according to human rights sources.

The sources stated that a group of soldiers, led by Shuaib Al-Adimi, head of the intelligence division of the Tor Al-Baha axis affiliated with the Islah Party, arbitrarily assaulted and detained Al-Sharaf. This action reportedly stems from Al-Sharaf's criticism of the Islah Party's authority in Taiz Governorate.

The detention is said to be based on what the sources described as fabricated charges, occurring amid increasing criticism of the performance of security and military agencies in the governorate.

Activists and journalists have urged the Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council, Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi, and the local authority leadership in Taiz Governorate, represented by Governor Nabil Shamsan, to intervene for the unconditional release of Atheel Al-Sharaf.

This incident occurs amidst a significant rise in kidnappings and assaults attributed to elements and soldiers associated with security and military agencies loyal to the Islah Party in Taiz Governorate in recent years.