Geneva – On the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the enforced disappearance of Yemeni politician and senior member of the Yemeni Islah Party, Mohammed Qahtan, SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties stated in a press release that his continued disappearance constitutes a grave crime and a flagrant violation of both domestic and international law. The organization stressed the urgent need to uncover the full truth about his fate, provide his family with clear information regarding his whereabouts and legal status, and ensure accountability for those responsible for this crime.

SAM indicated that Qahtan was arbitrarily arrested from his home in the capital, Sana’a, on April 4, 2015, following a siege by Houthi armed militants. His detention occurred without a warrant or any legal justification. Since that date, all contact with him has been completely cut off, and neither his family nor his lawyer has been allowed access to him or any knowledge of his location.

The organization noted that this crime was part of a broader, systematic campaign of repression targeting activists, politicians, and opposition figures. However, the case of Mohammed Qahtan stands out due to the particular severity of the abuse he suffered, largely because of his political symbolism and leadership role.

SAM emphasized that the passing of an entire decade without any disclosure of Qahtan’s fate represents a severe violation of human rights. This violation not only affects the victim himself but also deeply impacts his family and community, undermining the principles of justice and eroding hope in a future that respects human dignity.

The organization affirmed that enforced disappearance is a crime that does not lapse with time and held the Houthi group fully legally and morally responsible for the ongoing violation. SAM also rejected any attempts to use Mohammed Qahtan’s case as a bargaining chip or a tool for political negotiation.

SAM further asserted that Qahtan’s case serves as a painful reminder of the long-standing file of political violations that have gone unaddressed, both in northern and southern Yemen, dating back to before the war ignited by the Houthi coup against the state in September 2014.

SAM called on the Yemeni state, the political party to which Mohammed Qahtan belongs, and all civil society forces to assume their responsibilities in preserving his legacy through media, awareness, and human rights activities. These efforts include highlighting his case in the media, organizing regular events to advocate for victims of enforced disappearance, and continuing to submit petitions and legal files to courts and international forums.

The organization renewed its demand for the immediate and unconditional release of Mohammed Qahtan, and the prosecution of all those involved in his disappearance. SAM also called for strict adherence to international conventions, foremost among them the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.

SAM underscored the urgent need to intensify pressure to uncover the fate of all forcibly disappeared individuals in Yemen, and to take concrete steps to ensure that such crimes are never repeated. The organization emphasized that addressing the issue of enforced disappearance is not only a legal and humanitarian imperative but also a necessary step toward rebuilding trust, healing national wounds, and laying the groundwork for a just and inclusive peace.

In this context, SAM  Organization called for the immediate disclosure of the fate of all those who have been subjected to enforced disappearance throughout the various phases of the conflict in Yemen—most notably since the outbreak of the war following the Houthi-led coup in September 2014.