UN rights chief demands inquiry after Yemeni staff member dies in Houthi custody

Mohammad el Shami, a Yemeni employee of the United Nations Human Rights Office, died while in Houthi custody. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Tuerk announced the death on Saturday and called for an independent probe into the circumstances.

El Shami had been held since June 6, 2024, according to Tuerk. The period of detention lasted more than two years. Tuerk stated that the family was informed of the death only recently, which was more than a month after it actually happened. The family did not receive an explanation for the cause or circumstances of his death.

Tuerk demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all other UN personnel currently held by the Houthis. This group includes seven colleagues from his office, as well as humanitarian workers and members of civil society. Yemen's prime minister condemned the death and placed full responsibility on the Houthi group. He stated that more than 70 UN employees and dozens of humanitarian workers remain detained and called for those responsible to be held accountable.

The Houthi group has not yet issued a statement regarding el Shami's death. In previous statements, the group alleged that the detained individuals were part of a spy network working for the United States and Israel. The Houthis also accused humanitarian organizations of using their work as cover for intelligence activities, though they have not provided evidence for these claims.

The conflict in Yemen has divided the country since the Houthis seized the capital Sanaa in 2014. A Saudi-led military intervention followed in 2015 to support Yemen's internationally recognized government. The Houthis currently control Sanaa and much of the north and northwest, while government-aligned forces hold much of the south and east.