Yemeni writer, poet and former Culture Minister Khaled Al-Rowaishan was released Monday by the Houthis in Sana’a, a day after his arrest at his home. His arrest was widely condemned by activists, journalists and intellectuals.

Prior to Al-Rowaishan’s release, Yemeni writers, artists, poets and others released a statement of solidarity, calling for the immediate release of the former minister, as well as all other political prisoners in the country.  

Yemeni writer and poet Abdulaziz Al-Maqaleh condemned Al-Rowaishan’s arrest on Sunday.

"The Yemeni cultural community was surprised by…the arrest of the great national figure, Mr. Khaled Al-Rowaishan, at dawn this morning, and we condemn this irresponsible act. He is a prominent figure of Yemeni and Arab culture and creativity," he said in a post on his Facebook page.

He called for the release of “all prisoners of conscience in the country."

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Editing by Ahlam Mohsen and Casey Coombs