Wide protests against Yemen's Houthi militia

Protests have erupted against Yemen’s Houthi rebels following the funeral of a popular critic found dead after he was detained by the group.

Videos posted on social media showed hundreds of angry demonstrators carrying the body of Hamdi Abdul Razaq through the streets of Ibb province on Thursday.

Eyewitnesses said the Thursday protests spanned several neighborhoods and protesters were heard chanting “No Houthis after today.”

Activists have accused the rebel authorities of abducting, torturing and killing Hamdi Abdul Razaq, who spoke out against the Houthi authorities in videos posted on Youtube. Followers knew him by his profile name, “Al-Mukohl.” He was reported dead by authorities late last week. His family have not commented on the incident.

In a series of videos, Abdul Razaq openly criticized Houthi rule, branding its administration as corrupt and repressive.

Houthi forces, who control Sanaa and most of northern Yemen, have cracked down on dissent in their territories. Some who oppose them have been charged for working with Saudi Arabia, which heads the coalition battling the Houthis.

Yemen’s devastating conflict began in 2014, when the Houthis seized the capital of Sanaa and much of northern Yemen and forced the government into exile. 

In a statement Thursday, the head of Yemen’s internationally recognized government, Rashed Al-Alimi, offered his support to the protesters. The popular leader said a monthly stipend would be given to Abdul Razaq’s family.