UN Staffer Dies in Houthi Custody; Probe Demanded

Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Shami, a Yemeni staffer at the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, died in Houthi custody after more than two years of detention following his arrest in June 2024. His family was denied visits or contact. His body has not been returned. The circumstances of his death remain unknown. UN human rights chief Volker Türk called the death "absolutely devastating" and demanded an independent investigation. He noted seven detained staff from his own office among those still held. Yemen Human Rights Minister Mushdal Omar, via SABA, blamed the Houthis for the death after abduction and enforced disappearance and urged steps to free detainees and ensure accountability. Legal Affairs Minister Ishraq Al-Maqtari told Al Hadath TV that Al-Shami was tortured to death, that evidence of torture exists, and that more than 70 UN employees remain in Houthi prisons. Houthis typically accuse detained UN staff of spying for the US or Israel. The cause of death, return of the body, and fate of the remaining detainees are unresolved. Türk and Yemeni ministers have called for investigation and releases.