 During and after the US-led invasion of Iraq, members of the Zaidi-Shia community protested after Friday prayers every week outside mosques, particularly the Grand Mosque in Sana'a, during which they shouted anti-US and anti-Israeli slogans, and criticised the government's close ties to America.These protests were led by ex-parliament member and Imam, Bader Eddine al-Houthi.In response the Yemeni government has implemented a campaign to crush to the Zaidi-Shia rebellion" and harass journalists.