UN says Yemeni staff member dies in Houthi custody, demands investigation

A Yemeni staff member of the UN Human Rights Office has died in Houthi custody after being arbitrarily detained for more than two years, the UN human rights chief said on Saturday, calling for an independent investigation and the release of other detained personnel.

Mohammad el Shami had been held by the Houthi militant group since June 6, 2024, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said in a statement.

His family said they had been informed of his death only recently, more than a month after it occurred, and had received no explanation of the cause or circumstances, Turk said.


Turk 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, held the Houthis fully responsible and called for those responsible to be held accountable. He said more than 70 UN employees and dozens of humanitarian workers remained detained.

There was no immediate comment from the Houthis. The group has said those detained were part of a spy network working for the United States and Israel. The group has also accused humanitarian organisations of using their work as cover for intelligence activities, without providing evidence.

The Houthis seized the capital Sanaa in 2014, prompting a Saudi-led military intervention in 2015 in support of Yemen's internationally recognised government. The conflict has since divided the country, with the Houthis holding Sanaa and much of the north and northwest, while government-aligned forces control much of the south and east.