The theocratic Imamate rulers in the past used to hold sons of the influential Sheikhs and tribesmen as hostages to ensure no opposition to their despotic ruling said Ma'een.

His remarks came as he met today in the temporary capital Aden with the journalist Hamzah al-Jobaihi and his father the renowned journalist who recently released from Houthi militia's jails under prisoner exchange deal.

Al-Jobaihi was kidnapped by Houthi militiamen, remained in jails for years, the militia issued a death verdict against him prior his release. After he was set free, the militiamen kept his son as hostage.