Yemen Bar Association Questions Lawyer's Summons After Alleged Assault

The Yemeni Bar Association has expressed surprise and concern over the summons of lawyer Mustafa Mujahid Qassem Al-Othmani for investigation, following his own complaint of being assaulted and insulted at the Public Prosecutor's office in Sana'a.

The association stated in a release on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, that the summons was issued via a memorandum from the Primary Public Funds Prosecution in the Capital Secretariat to the Bar Association's Dean. The memorandum requested Al-Othmani's presence for an investigation and also requested a representative from the association to attend the hearing.

The Bar Association clarified that it had previously received a complaint from Al-Othmani detailing an incident on the morning of Saturday, August 29, 2026. He alleged that he was subjected to assault and humiliation while attempting to follow up on a case for his imprisoned client at the Public Prosecutor's office, which is under the control of the Houthi militia.

According to Al-Othmani's complaint, he waited from approximately 9:00 AM until 11:30 AM to meet the Public Prosecutor. However, security personnel prevented him from entering and submitting his complaint, despite him presenting his professional license and requesting access to pursue his client's case. The complaint further states that several guards, wearing judicial police uniforms, physically assaulted him and attempted to force him to leave, preventing him from submitting his grievance. The incident reportedly occurred in the presence of witnesses and the Public Prosecutor.

In a statement issued on Sunday, August 30, 2026, the Yemeni Bar Association had condemned the treatment of Al-Othmani, emphasizing that a lawyer's dignity and immunity during the performance of their legal duties are integral to the independence of the legal profession and the rule of law.

The association had called upon the Supreme Judicial Council and the judiciary leadership to order accountability for all those proven to be involved in the assault. It stressed the necessity of enabling lawyers to carry out their professional duties freely and independently, free from obstacles, pressures, and intimidation.

The Bar Association affirmed that respecting lawyers during their legal duties is not a personal privilege but a fundamental guarantee for the proper administration of justice and the protection of litigants' rights. It reiterated its commitment to ensuring that those involved are investigated and that the law is applied.