Sana’a – June 11, 2025 The Houthi group has carried out a wave of arrests targeting dozens of civilians in the Yemeni capital, Sana’a, over the use of "Starlink" satellite internet devices, according to local human rights sources.

Reports indicate that at least 54 people, including electronics shop owners, university students, and academics, were detained during raids across several districts such as Al-Sabeen, Ma’een, and Azal. The campaign also involved extensive searches and seizures of electronic equipment and the imposition of hefty fines on citizens.

A human rights activist in Sana’a—speaking on condition of anonymity—stated that “the Houthis aim to fully monopolize the communications sector and suppress any means of accessing the internet beyond their control.”

In a controversial move, students and professors at the Faculty of Computer Science at Sana’a University were forced to attend events warning against the “dangers of satellite internet,” a step that observers say violates academic freedom and amounts to a form of censorship.

International and local human rights organizations have called for the immediate release of the detainees and the end of what they’ve described as a “repressive campaign,” labeling the measures a blatant violation of human rights and freedom of expression.

It's worth noting that satellite internet services like "Starlink" have gained popularity in regions suffering from poor connectivity or monopolized internet access, offering a vital lifeline for residents to stay connected with the outside world.