Yemeni Aid Worker Speaks Out After Years of Houthi Detention and Forced Labor

Ezzadin Al Awadhi, a former aid worker from Yemen, has publicly detailed his experiences under Houthi control, including detention, forced labor, and a perilous escape to Germany. Now residing in Europe, Al Awadhi said he finally broke his silence following the recent death of one of his former captors.

In 2015, the Houthis seized the Anhar Al-Firdaws Foundation in Sanaa during the start of Operation Decisive Storm. The group looted the property and detained all staff except Al Awadhi. He was later forced to sign documents acknowledging false accusations and was released on the condition that he assist with Houthi media and recruitment efforts. For several years, he described his life as an open-air prison, noting that he was monitored closely and frequently summoned for questioning.

The pressure intensified in early 2017 when the group demanded he present at public events aimed at mobilizing support for the war. At a rally in Al-Sabeen Square, Al Awadhi tried to limit his role to patriotic themes but was threatened and forced to present the full program. Shortly after, he hid in a mortuary facility for nearly three months to avoid a specific arrest order. He eventually surrendered and was detained again, where the Houthis accused him of espionage for Saudi Arabia and Israel.

Al Awadhi was released after three days, but an informant warned him that the group intended to send him to the Habrah detention center. He fled to Malaysia using a fake ID and a change in appearance. He later moved to Germany, where he crossed the forests of Belarus in a journey he said nearly killed him due to extreme thirst and hunger.

Since arriving in Germany, Al Awadhi has received psychological support to treat the trauma of his captivity. He said the experience left him with recurring nightmares and suicidal thoughts, which persisted for years after he left Yemen. He expressed gratitude for the protection and healthcare provided by the German system during his mental health crisis.

Al Awadhi noted that his decision to speak publicly has strained his family relationships, with many members disowning him after he fled. He said the death of Houthi official Ibrahim Al-Sharafi, who was killed in a Saudi strike on October 28, 2026, gave him the courage to share his story. Al Awadhi continues to work in Germany, where he feels more secure in his daily life.