News Center – The arrest of activist Arwa al-Shumairi is the latest in a series of cases that have sparked controversy regarding freedom of the press and speech in Yemeni cities, amid growing calls to ensure the protection of activists and journalists from any arbitrary measures taken without clear legal procedures.

Local sources in Taiz reported that security forces in the city arrested activist Arwa al-Shumairi and detained her in the Criminal Investigation Department prison. The sources indicated that the arrest stemmed from charges related to "media and publishing."

To date, no official statement has been issued clarifying the nature of the charges, the details of the media materials under investigation, or the identity of the complainant. The sources stated that Arwa al-Shumairi was active in social and human rights issues, and that some of her posts on social media platforms had generated widespread controversy in local circles before her arrest.

Activists in Taiz pointed out that the arrest has raised concerns about the potential restriction of freedom of speech in the city, emphasizing the need for official clarification regarding the nature of the charges to ensure transparency and justice.

Meanwhile, neither the security authorities nor the judiciary have yet commented on the details of the incident, prompting several local and international human rights organizations to closely monitor the case.

It is worth noting that Arwa al-Shumairi is a prominent Yemeni human rights activist known for her courageous stances in defending women's and community issues, and her continuous efforts to highlight the challenges facing Yemenis amidst the war. She also serves as the head of the Women's Political Empowerment Network. She had previously given an exclusive interview to NuJINHA, discussing the importance of strengthening women's role in confronting violence, as part of the Yemeni Women's Political Empowerment Platform's efforts to amplify women's voices, defend their rights, and shed light on the growing challenges posed by the ongoing conflict.