Amnesty, HRW Urge Houthis to Halt Trial of UN Staff, Demand Release

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have called on the Houthi militia to immediately halt the prosecution of United Nations personnel and civil society workers detained in their prisons, demanding their prompt release. The organizations warned against the judiciary being weaponized for political repression and targeting humanitarian and human rights workers.

The two human rights groups stated in a joint communiqué that since August 18, 2026, the Houthi militia has subjected at least eight individuals working in human rights and humanitarian fields to criminal proceedings on charges related to "espionage." These accusations carry a potential death penalty under Yemeni law.

Among the detainees are two UN employees, an international organization consultant, and five individuals who worked with international and local organizations focusing on health, human rights, and humanitarian aid. Both organizations confirmed that the detainees face charges of "espionage" and "aiding the enemy" before the Specialized Penal Prosecution in Sana'a, citing Articles 127 and 128 of the Yemeni Penal Code.

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch expressed concern over the deteriorating health of several detainees, noting that two suffer from diabetes and are not receiving adequate medical care. One detainee is undergoing chemotherapy for stomach cancer, while another faces the risk of developing glaucoma.

According to the statement, relatives of some detainees reported that they were coerced into confessing to espionage charges under torture or the threat of torture. The organizations have documented the Houthi militia's use of torture to extract confessions, as well as dozens of cases where espionage charges have been used to target political opponents and silence peaceful dissent.

The rights groups highlighted that the current trials are part of an ongoing crackdown that began on May 31, 2024, during which the Houthi militia arrested over 100 UN employees and civil society workers. Many of these individuals have been arbitrarily detained and denied access to lawyers and their families.

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch emphasized the urgent need to cease the judicial proceedings against the eight detainees immediately and to release them unconditionally. They also called for the release of dozens of other UN employees and civil society workers who remain arbitrarily detained by the Houthi militia.