A Yemeni staff member of the United Nations human rights office has died in Houthi custody after more than two years in detention, the UN human rights chief said Saturday, calling for an independent investigation and the release of other detainees.
Mohammad el Shami had been held by the Iran-backed Houthi movement since June 6, 2024, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said in a statement.
His family was informed of his death only recently, more than a month after it occurred, and had received no explanation of its cause or circumstances, Turk said.
He called for a prompt, independent and thorough investigation, and demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all other UN personnel held by the Houthis, including seven colleagues from his office, as well as humanitarian workers and civil society members.
Yemen’s prime minister condemned the death, holding the Houthis fully responsible and calling for those accountable to face justice. He said more than 70 UN employees and dozens of humanitarian workers remained in detention.
The Houthis did not immediately comment. The group has said detainees were part of a spy network working for the United States and Israel, and has accused humanitarian organisations of using their work as cover for intelligence activities, without providing evidence.
