A human rights report documents the crimes of the Houthi militia against prisoners and detainees.

Human Rights Report Exposes Houthi Violations Against Prisoners in Yemen

A recent report by the Yemeni Women’s Empowerment Foundation highlights severe human rights violations committed by the Iran-backed Houthi militia against prisoners and detainees in areas under their control. The report covers the period from 2014 to mid-2025.

Documented Cases of Torture and Enforced Disappearances

The report, obtained by the Yemeni News Agency (Saba), documents a staggering 17,600 cases of physical torture and 2,300 instances of enforced disappearances, including cases involving women and children. Additionally, it notes the deaths of 671 detainees due to torture, medical neglect, or extrajudicial killings within prisons. Alarmingly, 98 victims died after being injected with toxic substances, representing a blatant violation of international laws.

Methods of Torture and Psychological Abuse

The report details various methods of physical and psychological torture employed by the militia in their detention facilities. These methods include flogging, electric shocks, burning, and denial of medical treatment. Furthermore, the report describes systematic psychological torture techniques, such as solitary confinement and threats of harm to family members.

Financial Extortion of Detainees’ Families

The report reveals that Houthi leaders engage in financial extortion of detainees’ families. They force families to pay sums reaching tens of thousands of dollars or to relinquish their properties in exchange for the release of their relatives or the return of their bodies. These violations constitute a flagrant breach of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention Against Torture, the Geneva Conventions, and the Rome Statute. The report calls for an independent international investigation and the prosecution of those responsible for these crimes in international courts.

Conclusion

This report sheds light on the urgent need for accountability and justice in Yemen. The documented abuses highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the necessity for international intervention to protect human rights in the region.

For more information, visit Yemen TV.

To follow the news in Arabic