Houthi militias have demonstrated on Tuesday their long-standing intentions to abolish existing Yemeni laws and transform them in accordance with their interests, as well as trying to pass new laws that would allow them to crack down on activists, collect more money from taxes and customs, and abolish “free education” in areas they control. Houthi sources uncovered that president of the insurgencys Supreme Political Council Saleh al-Sammad asked Parliament lawmakers currently present in Sanaa under the militia’s tutelage, to approve the issuance of more than 16 new laws prepared by the group, and introduce some amendments on existing laws. Houthis had previously forced the Speaker and some lawmakers residing in areas under their control to continue holding Parliament sessions, illegally, despite the lack of quorum. The insurgents had also warned MPs from trying to escape to Yemeni areas controlled by the legitimate government, threatening them of confiscating their houses and arresting their family members. Yahya al-Rai, assistant secretary-general of the General Peoples Congress (GPC) and a speaker of parliament told MPs he met on Monday that Sammad sent him a written letter ordering that the speaker add more than 16 new draft laws and amendments on the deputies’ agenda. It is the first time in the history of the Yemeni Parliament that this number of laws is listed in one single session. However, political observers say that the militias are trying to ensure a legal cover that would justify their violations against the Yemeni people. Houthis are also trying to loot Yemeni money and destroy what is left from the country’s economy. A lawmaker in Sanaa, speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat on condition of anonymity, commented on the Houthis’ plans to impose this number of new laws by saying: “Militias want to use MPs to legitimize their barbarous behavior in running state institutions and harassing their opponents through these projects." The MP said Houthis might force lawmakers to accept the new draft laws. “In case those MPs refuse, Houthis will pass them without the deputies’ approval,” he said.