According to Human Rights Watch, a Houthi court handed death sentences to nine men on charges of "sodomy," with three facing public flogging. The death sentence includes crucifixion and stoning. An additional 23 people were sent to prison. This is among the most distressing instances of civilians facing severe sentences for "immoral acts" under conservative Islamist rule. Human Rights Watch's Niku Jafarnia stated that the Houthis resort to such harsh measures to divert attention from their governance failures and lack of basic services. The sentences were imposed following serious violations of Yemen's own criminal procedural code, including actions like the absence of arrest warrants and unauthorized seizure of the men's phones. The men were also reportedly denied sufficient access to legal counsel. Yemen's Criminal Procedures law, specifically articles 132 and 172, forbids law enforcement from arresting individuals or confiscating their belongings without a warrant. Additionally, Article 181 mandates the presence of a lawyer during police interrogations. Despite being a non-state actor, the Houthis, who govern large parts of Yemen, are bound by international law to uphold human rights standards. Human Rights Watch urged the group to cease imposing the death penalty and other harsh punishments and to ensure fair trials for all accused individuals. But the Houthis seem Drunk on power. This is an unfortunate incident that sheds enough light on how things can go out of hand when power-hungry conservative ideologies win. #Queer Up The World View