UN calls for probe into death of staffer held by Houthis

According to AnewZ, the United Nations has called for an independent investigation into the death of Mohammed al-Shami, a Yemeni national and employee of the UN Human Rights Office, who died while in Houthi custody. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk also called for the release of other detained UN employees.

Türk confirmed al-Shami’s death on Saturday, October 31. He said his family was informed of the death only more than a month later. Al-Shami had been held by the Houthis since June 6, 2024. The UN said it had received no explanation about the circumstances of his death.

Türk called for an urgent, independent and comprehensive investigation. He stressed that all other detained UN employees must be released immediately and unconditionally.

Those still detained include seven employees of his office, as well as humanitarian workers and civil society members.

Yemen’s prime minister also condemned the employee’s death, blamed the Houthis and called for those responsible to be held accountable. He said more than 70 UN employees and dozens of humanitarian workers remain detained.

The Houthis have previously claimed that those detained were members of a spy network working for the United States and Israel. They have also accused humanitarian organizations of using their activities as cover for intelligence operations, but have provided no evidence to support the claims.

The Houthis have not yet commented on the latest death.

The incident comes amid growing concern over the detention of aid workers and staff of international organizations in Yemen.

The Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa, in 2014. The following year, a Saudi-led military intervention began to support Yemen’s internationally recognized government.

More than a decade of conflict has left the country divided. The Houthis control Sanaa and much of the north and northwest, while pro-government forces hold large areas in the south and east.

The latest death has renewed calls to protect the safety of humanitarian workers and UN employees operating in the country, as well as those who remain detained.