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.

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