Yemenis slam ‘unjust’ Houthi conduct for govt workers
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Salma Hossein
- . December 13, 2022
- . Update: December 13, 2022 11:51 pm
The Houthis, who are supported by Iran, have strengthened a contentious code of behaviour for government employees in the areas they control, asking hundreds of staff members to vouch for them.
Houthi leadership have planned demonstrations and ceremonies representing them signing the 36-page document and pushing all new and existing public servants to follow suit. These events have taken place throughout Yemen, from the capital Sanaa to the militia’s stronghold in Saada, as well as other provinces. If they don’t formally swear loyalty to the Houthis, many Yemenis worry that they may lose their jobs.
According to the memo, which Arab News obtained, sectarian teachings and speeches by leaders of the Houthi movement should be the main source of advice for state employees. Additionally, it mandates that employees act hostilely toward Houthi foes and their media outlets.
Government personnel in Houthi-controlled areas will be expected to participate in marches and other militia-related events, as well as lengthy lectures by the movement’s leader and other sectarian activities, to develop their “religious identity.”
Read | How Iran’s funding to Houthi is terrorizing the entire region
The memo also stated that employees would need to “carry revolutionary fervour and participate in religious and patriotic revivals.”
Employees are forbidden from revealing work-related information and documents or making claims that go against the movement’s worldview, including criticising the Houthis on social media, according to rules on how to manage the press and social media.
The paper also stated that people should refrain from saying or disseminating anything that goes against Islamic beliefs and morals, government regulations, or the law.
Additionally, it calls for employees to warn the public about media outlets run by the militia’s opponents and engage in a boycott of them. Avoid antagonistic news organisations, and urge others to do the same. Employees are required to sign the contract, and those who refuse or violate its terms risk losing their jobs.
According to the paper, “Any violation of this code’s criteria warrants the adoption of disciplinary and criminal actions in accordance with existing laws and regulations.” Each employee will formally affirm their commitment to uphold the Code, and a copy will be kept in their personnel file.
