Mrs. President,
My name is Nader Al-Saqqaf and I am a Yemeni Baha’i, who has suffered systematic
persecution of the Houthis. I was previously arrested twice and tried in absentia on
trumped-up charges punishable by death because I am a Bahá'í.
The Houthis have practiced heinous incitement against the Baha’is in various media
outlets, beginning with the Houthi leader’s call to fight the Baha’is in more than one
televised speech, falsely describing the Baha’i faith as a “satanic movement,” along with
the subsequent incitement campaigns against Baha’is in Friday sermons, satellite
channels, university seminars, and training courses for activists on social media under
the broad title "Facing Soft War", which targeted the Baha'is in their security and safety
with groundless accusations and slanders, as well as those who defend them.
Social media was and continues to be one of the most popular ways to reveal blatant
injustices and violations to the world. Social media has succeeded in mobilizing
supporters of the Baha’i cause, including media professionals, activists, and human rights
activists, both locally and globally, and putting pressure on the Houthis to respect the
rights of the Baha’is and end their persecution. There is no doubt that the violations
continue, but social media has been effective in revealing the truth, curbing slander and
lies, and releasing detainees.
We believe that the voice of truth and justice and adhering to the paths of goodness,
peace and tolerance are stronger than injustice and tyranny, and this is our approach
based on the fact that humanity desperately needs to believe in the principles of goodness
and peace that lead to human unity. Therefore, Yemeni Baha’is collaborate with others
to make peace and coexistence a reality on the ground for a future that is best for all
Yemenis.