Yemeni Model Imprisoned for Fashion Freed After Five Years

Yemen's Houthi rebels have reportedly released Intissar al-Hammadi, a young model who had been imprisoned for nearly five years over alleged violations of local moral codes, which she consistently denied. Her release was confirmed on Sunday by her lawyer and a security source to AFP. Al-Hammadi, known for modelling for local fashion designers often with her hair uncovered, had amassed thousands of followers on Instagram and Facebook, where she regularly shared photos.

Al-Hammadi was arrested in 2021 while she was en route to a photo shoot with a friend. The following year, a local court sentenced both women to five years in prison on charges of "fornication," "prostitution," and "drug use." These accusations were vehemently disputed by her lawyer and various non-governmental organizations, who deemed them baseless and a direct affront to women's freedoms and rights.

Confirming her release, her lawyer, Khaled al-Kamal, stated to AFP on Sunday, "Intissar al-Hammadi was released last night and is now at home." He further elaborated on the significant hardships she faced during her incarceration, noting, "She suffered numerous ills, and her condition deteriorated as a result of the injustices she endured," highlighting the severe impact of her ordeal.

A few months after her initial arrest, Amnesty International had issued a strong call for the model's immediate release. The human rights organization reported that al-Hammadi had been "mistreated" and "forced to confess to several offences," asserting that she was being punished for defying deeply patriarchal social rules prevalent in the region.

Intissar al-Hammadi, born to an Ethiopian mother and a Yemeni father, had a public persona characterized by her diverse online presence. Human Rights Watch (HRW) noted that she had posted dozens of photos online, showcasing herself in various outfits including traditional dress, jeans, or a leather jacket, with or without an Islamic headscarf. Beyond her modelling career, she had also made appearances in two local television series, further contributing to her public visibility.