On April 19, 2025, security personnel from the "Security Belt" at the Farsha checkpoint in Al-Turba, southern Yemen, blocked numerous travelers from northern governorates, particularly Taiz, from entering the temporary capital, Aden.

This action has sparked significant alarm from Women Journalists Without Chains (WJWC), which reports that these measures were enforced without any legal justification.

Eyewitness accounts reveal that travelers, including public transport buses, faced verbal abuse and degrading treatment from the security forces, violating basic principles of human dignity. The Al-Turba route is the sole land access point for those traveling from Taiz to Aden, making these restrictions effectively a blockade that endangers the lives of thousands, especially the sick, students, and workers.

Among the reported incidents, one individual from Taiz was denied entry while attempting to travel to Cairo for medical treatment, despite providing his passport and medical documents. Additionally, two university students studying law were prevented from returning to Aden after a brief visit to their village, disrupting their education and infringing on their rights to freedom of movement.

After prolonged hours of detention, some travelers were eventually permitted to pass through the checkpoint. However, Mohammed Al-Naqeeb, a spokesperson for the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council, denied that any restrictions were in place, asserting that traffic was normal and that security procedures were routine.

Despite this denial, WJWC emphasizes that documented testimonies indicate systematic violations preventing citizens from crossing without legal grounds. The organization is calling for a transparent investigation into these actions to hold accountable those responsible.

WJWC's concerns reflect a broader pattern of repression in Aden, where previous years have seen similar violations against citizens based on regional affiliations. The organization warns that current practices may exacerbate social tensions and fuel divisions.

These violations at the Farsha checkpoint are not only a breach of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights but also contravene the Yemeni constitution, which guarantees freedom of movement for all citizens. WJWC categorizes these actions as regional discrimination and a violation of equal rights.

The organization strongly condemns these practices and demands an immediate halt to all violations at checkpoints. WJWC urges the government to uphold citizens' rights and ensure safe passage without discrimination, reaffirming its commitment to documenting these violations and advocating for justice and dignity for all Yemenis.