YEMEN: arbitrary and incommunicado detention of lawyer Abdulmajeed Sabra
24 March 2026
The Observatory is deeply concerned about the arbitrary arrest and incommunicado detention of lawyer and human rights defender Abdulmajeed Sabra in Sana’a, Yemen.
Lawyer Abdulmajeed Sabra is known for representing victims of arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance, as well as individuals prosecuted for exercising their fundamental rights. He has also publicly expressed opinions on human rights issues, including through social media.
On 25 September 2025, Mr Sabra was arrested at his office in Sana’a by individuals linked to the de facto authorities (Ansar Allah). The arrest was reportedly related to his online publications concerning the anniversary of 26 September.[1]
Following his arrest, Mr Sabra was taken to an undisclosed location. For approximately ten days, his family had no information about his whereabouts and were unable to contact him. During this period, he was reportedly held incommunicado, raising concerns that his situation may amount to an enforced disappearance.
Mr Sabra was later able to contact his family briefly through unidentified phone numbers, indicating that he was being held in isolation. Information received suggests that he may have been subjected to a form of ideological or “cultural” instruction imposed on individuals detained for political reasons.
In January 2026, Mr Sabra was reportedly transferred to a detention facility in the Shamlan area of Sana’a, where he has since been allowed limited family visits. However, no formal charges had been brought against him[2].
Prior to his arrest, Mr Sabra had reportedly been subjected to repeated questioning by security authorities in connection with his professional activities and had faced restrictions in carrying out his work as a lawyer.
The reasons for Mr Sabra’s arrest raise serious concerns regarding the respect of the right to liberty, due process guarantees and the protection of lawyers and human rights defenders against any form of intimidation or reprisal.
The Observatory notes that the targeting of lawyers involved in the defence of human rights reflects a worrying pattern of interference with the legal profession and a restriction of civic space.
The Observatory recalls that lawyers must be able to carry out their professional activities without fear of harassment, arbitrary detention or undue interference.
The Observatory expresses concern about the use of incommunicado detention and the absence of legal safeguards, which may facilitate serious human rights violations, including enforced disappearance.
The Observatory calls on the de facto authorities to provide clear information on the legal basis for Mr Sabra’s detention, to ensure full respect of his fundamental rights, and to guarantee that such violations do not recur.
The Observatory also recalls Principle 23 of the Havana Principles, according to which: “Lawyers like other citizens are entitled to freedom of expression, belief, association and assembly. In particular, they shall have the right to take part in public discussion of matters concerning the law, the administration of justice and the promotion and protection of human rights and to join or form local, national or international organizations and attend their meetings, without suffering professional restrictions by reason of their lawful action or their membership in a lawful organization.”
The Observatory reminds all relevant authorities that they are bound by international human rights standards, including those set out in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR):
“1. Everyone has the right to liberty and security of person. No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention. (…)” (Article 9 §1 ICCPR)
“Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression (…)” (Article 19 §2 ICCPR)
[1] The anniversary of 26 September marks the 1962 revolution in North Yemen, which led to the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of a republican system, triggering a civil war.
More information: https://peacekeeping.un.org/mission/past/unyombackgr.html
[2] UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, Yemen: arbitrary arrest and detention in an unknown location of lawyer and HRD Abdulmajeed Sabra (joint communication), 11 March 2026. Available at: https://srdefenders.org/yemen-arbitrary-arrest-and-detention-in-an-unknown-location-of-lawyer-and-hrd-abdulmajeed-sabra-joint-communication/
