JEDDAH: The Iran-backed Houthis have reinforced a controversial code of conduct for government workers in regions they control, requiring thousands of personnel to declare loyalty to the group.
From the capital Sanaa to the militia’s stronghold in Saada, and other provinces in Yemen, Houthi authorities have organized rallies and ceremonies depicting them signing the 36-page document and urging all new and existing public workers to follow suit.
Many Yemenis fear losing their jobs if they fail to pledge formal allegiance to the Houthis.
The document, seen by Arab News, makes the lectures of Houthi movement leaders and other sectarian ideas the primary source of guidance for public servants.
It also stipulates that workers must display hostility toward Houthi opponents and their media outlets.
Government employees in Houthi-controlled areas will be required to support militia activities including marches and events, and to strengthen their “religious identity” workers must attend lengthy lectures by the movement’s leader and engage in other sectarian activities.
In addition, workers will have to “carry revolutionary fervor and partake in religious and patriotic revivals,” the document said.
Under regulations on how to handle the press and social media, employees are prohibited from disclosing job-related information and documents, or making statements contravening the movement’s philosophy, including criticism of the Houthis on social media.
“Refrain from making or publicizing remarks, letters, materials, or information that contravene the teachings and values of Islam, state policy, and public order,” the document added.
It further requests employees to boycott media sites controlled by the militia’s opponents and alert the public to them. “Avoid and advise others to avoid hostile and suspect news organizations.”
The document is mandatory for workers to sign, and those refusing or breaching its conditions will face termination of their employment.
The document said: “Any breach of the requirements of this code necessitates adopting disciplinary and criminal actions in line with applicable laws and regulations.
“Each employee will sign a formal pledge to adhere to the requirements of the Code, and a copy will be maintained in the employee’s file.”
Ahmed Nagi Al-Nabhani, a Sanaa-based activist and government employee, told Arab News: “I oppose forcing individuals to attend Houthi awareness lectures and programs. I oppose forcing anyone to attend sectarian gatherings.”
He said that he refused to sign the code of conduct or attend lectures or courses promoting the document and vowed to contest it even if it cost him his job.
“People should not be pushed into Houthiism since our nation is founded on religious and political pluralism.
“I backed the Houthis while they were in jail and advocated their right to exist with a loud voice; but I do not accept them now — when they are in power — to commit injustice on others and force people to subscribe to their ideals and attend their activities,” he added.
Dr. Ibrahim Al-Kebsi, another government employee opposed to the document, blasted Houthi leaders, who had been receiving their pay and other financial incentives on schedule, for attempting to impose power on government employees who had not been paid for six years.
“From the heart of Sanaa, Yemen, I announce to this authority that its sectarian code of conduct is invalid and even scandalous, shameful, ugly, and flawed,” Al-Kebsi said.
The Houthis claim the regulations will help improve productivity, and combat corruption.
