A court loyal to the Iran-backed Houthi militias ordered the closure of a famed bookstore in the Yemeni capital Sanaa.
The Abu Dharr al-Ghifari bookstore is a landmark in the Houthi-held capital and has been open for nearly 40 years. It was renowned for selling philosophical, intellectual and political books.
By shutting the library, the Houthis have claimed another cultural icon in Sanaa as they implement Iran's expansionist agenda in Yemen.
Local sources in Sanaa said a Houthi judge ordered that the shelves of the bookstore be emptied after its owner was unable to pay mounting rent.
The Houthis have already barred the publication of all independent and opposition newspapers and the import of intellectual and political books.
The bookstore was a mainstay for Yemenis who used flock to it to read the latest local and international newspapers and magazines. The majority of embassies were also its frequent clients.
A former employee at the store told Asharq Al-Awsat that the closure effectively "put an end to cultural and literary life in Sanaa."
"This was a small space enjoyed by all cultural figures," he added, revealing that he shed tears when he learned of the order to remove all books from the shop.
Books on history, philosophy, religion and enlightenment, as well as novels, were all packed in cartons on Friday and left unceremoniously on the sidewalk.
The Abu Dharr al-Ghifari bookstore had faced adversity from the Houthis ever since their coup. The militias had banned political and civil publications and the import of intellectual and philosophical books.
The Houthis halted the payment of salaries, leading to a halt in the import of books and a drop in the people's purchasing power. Consequently, the owner of the bookstore started to face difficulties in paying rent. The owner the building then took the case to court, allowing the Houthis to order the store's closure based on the allegation that it was actually owned by an opposition lawmaker.
Writer Ahmed al-Noihy told Asharq Al-Awsat that the bookstore "was the window of the soul."
"It helped bolster the national spirit against the military and religious oppression" that is embodied by the Houthis, he added.
He said the closure of the shop was politically motivated, accusing the Houthis of crippling the cultural scene and spreading ignorance and delusions.
The closure is aimed at "assassinating the mind and man's enlightenment," he stated, saying he was shocked by the announcement.
