Houthi militia refers UN staff and detainees to Sana'a court

Human rights organizations and the Association of Mothers of Abductees have condemned the Houthi militia for referring several detainees, including United Nations staff, to the Specialized Criminal Court in Sana'a.

Among those referred are Sami al-Kalabi, an employee of the UN Resident Coordinator's office who has been detained since June 2024, and public health expert Dr. Ali al-Mudahqi. Other detainees include Asim al-Ashari, Labib Shaif, and Murad Zafir. Human Rights Watch reported that at least six individuals, including civil society workers, have been moved to court proceedings that lack legal safeguards.

Reports indicate that detainees have been subjected to torture and coerced into making confessions. The Association of Mothers of Abductees highlighted that some individuals have begun court sessions without legal representation. Furthermore, there are serious concerns regarding the health of detainees, specifically Sami al-Kalabi, who requires regular cancer treatment. The organizations are calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all detainees and for an independent investigation into allegations of abuse and forced confessions.