Detained Doctor Faces Trial After 800+ Days in Houthi Custody

Dr. Ali Ahmed Al-Madhouhi, detained by Houthi militias, has been brought before the Specialized Criminal Court after over 800 days of arbitrary detention without prior notification of the charges against him or justification for his prolonged incarceration.

In a phone call with his family, Al-Madhouhi stated that during the court session, he requested the appointment of a legal defense team, proposing Houthi leaders Shams al-Din Muhammad Sharaf al-Din and Muhammad Miftah to represent him. He cited Quranic verses in his plea for justice and fairness.

Dr. Al-Madhouhi revealed that he endured harsh detention conditions, including solitary confinement and severe psychological and physical pressure. He asserted that he was coerced into making confessions under duress, and that these confessions are null and void, lacking any legal or factual basis.

Regarding the investigations, Al-Madhouhi explained that authorities accused him of insisting on the continuation of immunization programs and child vaccination campaigns in Yemen. He considers his commitment to these programs to be a result of his professional and ethical duty to safeguard public health and fulfill his entrusted responsibilities.