Houthi movement faces calls to release UN staff facing death penalty

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have issued a joint call for the Houthi movement to halt the prosecution and immediately release several United Nations employees and civil society workers detained in Yemen.

Since August 18, 2026, at least eight individuals—including two UN staff members, an international consultant, and five humanitarian and human rights workers—have been referred for criminal prosecution. They face charges of “espionage” and “aiding the enemy” under Yemeni law, offenses that carry the death penalty.

The organizations described the charges as “vague and overly broad,” alleging they are being used as tools for political repression to silence humanitarian and human rights activities. There are also reports of detainees being forced to confess under torture or the threat of torture.

Concerns have been raised regarding the deteriorating health of the detainees, including individuals requiring treatment for diabetes and cancer. The human rights groups noted that these legal actions are part of a broader crackdown involving the arbitrary detention of over 100 UN and civil society staff since May 2024.