Houthi Militants Ban "Muawiya" Name in Sana'a and Threaten Owners of Homes Broadcasting the Series

Houthi militants in Sana'a have reportedly prevented a family from naming their newborn “Muawiya,” claiming that the name was influenced by the TV series about the companion Muawiya bin Abi Sufyan.

Local sources have confirmed that the Houthi-controlled Al-Sabeen government hospital in Sana'a refused to register the name, and the militants issued directives to prevent this name from being recorded in official civil records.

Additionally, the Houthi authorities have deployed spies to track down and monitor homes screening the TV series about Muawiya bin Abi Sufyan. These spies are reportedly taking note of the names of owners and their phone numbers, submitting reports to Houthi security and intelligence leaders

Homeowners in rural areas of Sana’a have been warned by Houthi security agencies against broadcasting the series. They have been accused of inciting anti-Ahl al-Bayt sentiments and promoting the legacy of the Umayyad Caliphate. The Houthi authorities have threatened legal action, including imprisonment, if the series continues to be aired, as they consider it a direct threat to their ideological and recruitment efforts.

Yemenis, however, continue to watch the series secretly out of a desire to learn more about the life of the companion Muawiya bin Abi Sufyan, despite the risk of repercussions from the Houthi-controlled authorities.