A human rights organization has expressed grave concern over the deteriorating health of Sheikh Shaif Jabr Al-Mas'oudi, a tribal leader from Al-Qurayshah district in Al Bayda governorate, who has been detained by Houthi militias in Sana'a for over a year. The organization, "Ain for Human Rights," stated in a release on Monday that Sheikh Al-Mas'oudi is suffering from critical health complications due to chronic illnesses. The statement highlighted that he has lost vision in one eye as a result of being denied specialized medical care and deliberate neglect. Furthermore, he has been prevented from contacting his family or meeting with his lawyer, which constitutes a flagrant violation of international conventions and agreements concerning the treatment of prisoners. In a related matter, the organization drew attention to the detention of approximately 35 civilians from the "Al Masoud" tribe in the same prison for over 18 months. This detention has occurred under complete secrecy and a total lack of transparency regarding their legal status, with their fundamental rights to defense or appearance before independent judicial bodies to assess the legality of their detention being denied. Ain for Human Rights emphasized in its statement that the right to physical integrity and personal security, the prohibition of arbitrary detention, and the provision of comprehensive medical care are inherent rights guaranteed by international human rights law, particularly the "International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights." The organization called for the immediate and unconditional release of Sheikh Shaif Jabr Al-Mas'oudi on health and humanitarian grounds, or for him to be afforded fair and transparent legal proceedings. It also urged for urgent and specialized medical care for Sheikh Al-Mas'oudi, allowing an independent medical committee to examine and assess his condition immediately. The group further demanded that the rights of all detained individuals from the "Al Masoud" tribe to communicate with their families and facilitate visits from their lawyers without restrictions be ensured. In conclusion, "Ain" issued an urgent appeal to the office of the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy to Yemen, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the International Committee of the Red Cross, urging their immediate intervention to activate monitoring mechanisms in prisons and ensure the safety of detainees. The organization reminded all parties to the conflict that any harm to the physical and health integrity of detainees constitutes a grave violation that warrants international legal accountability and does not fall under statutes of limitations. |
