Three inmates die in Houthi-controlled Ibb prison due to neglect and malnutrition

Three inmates have died within a single month at the central prison in Ibb Governorate, which is under Houthi control, due to deliberate medical neglect, severe malnutrition, and widespread financial and administrative corruption.

Human rights sources from within the prison revealed a dire humanitarian crisis, with prisoners enduring tragic conditions lacking basic necessities. Inmates are reportedly forced to drink unsafe water from bathroom taps due to the absence of clean water. Furthermore, the food provided is of poor quality and lacks nutritional value, a consequence of the theft and misappropriation of food supplies by the prison administration.

According to the sources, the prison's administration, led by an individual identified as Musleh Al-Ghazali, is engaged in extensive corruption. This includes denying essential medications to sick inmates. When medications are available, they are allegedly smuggled out and sold on the black market instead of being dispensed to those in need, leading to a significant deterioration in the health of many prisoners.

The names of the three deceased inmates, who passed away in recent weeks, have been documented. Musa Saleh Al-Jubri died approximately two weeks ago following a decline in his health. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Issa passed away the day after Al-Jubri, and Ammar Nabil Hassan Al-Alawi died yesterday, amidst shock and fear among the remaining inmates.

Activists and human rights advocates have issued an urgent appeal to international and human rights organizations, including the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross, calling for immediate intervention to save the lives of the remaining prisoners. They are urging for a transparent investigation into the causes of these consecutive deaths and for those responsible for the neglect and corruption, which have transformed the prison into a "center for slow death," to be held accountable.

It is noted that prisons in Ibb Governorate have witnessed a significant increase in inmate deaths over the past few years, amid a lack of international oversight and the continuation of systematic violations against detainees.