A Yemeni staff member of the UN Human Rights Office died in Houthi custody more than two years after being detained, according to the UN high commissioner for human rights. Volker Turk described the death of Mohammed Al-Shami as "utterly devastating" and called for an urgent, independent, and thorough investigation. Al-Shami had been held by the Iran-backed group since June 2024. His family has received no information about the circumstances of his death.
The UN chief emphasized the need for an independent inquiry into the incident. Iran's supreme leader ordered the military to respond immediately to any threat, without geographical restrictions. The Houthi group, which is backed by Iran, has been accused of numerous human rights violations in Yemen. Al-Shami's death has raised concerns about the treatment of detainees in the region. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between Iran and international humanitarian organizations.
This incident follows a series of reports of detainees held by the Houthi militia, with many families unable to obtain information about their loved ones. The UN has previously called for accountability and improved conditions for detainees. The death of Al-Shami underscores the risks faced by humanitarian workers in conflict zones. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely.
