A human rights report reveals that approximately 1,893 abductees have faced various forms of torture in Houthi militia detention centers.

Alarming Report Reveals Torture of Nearly 1,900 Abducted Yemenis

The Yemeni Network for Rights and Freedoms has documented the torture of approximately 1,893 individuals, including women and children, in detention facilities run by the Iranian-backed Houthi militia. This report covers the period from January 1, 2018, to January 30, 2025, across 15 provinces.

Disturbing Statistics on Abductees

In its report titled "Death Under Torture in Houthi Prisons," the network shared with the Yemeni News Agency (Saba) that among the abductees are 117 children, 43 women, and 89 elderly individuals. These cases span various provinces, including Sana’a, Amran, Al-Dhale, Al-Bayda, Taiz, Ibb, Raymah, Al-Mahwit, Hajjah, Saada, Al-Jawf, Marib, Al-Hudaydah, and the capital, Sana’a.

Extreme Torture Leading to Death

The report highlights that 394 detainees suffered extreme forms of torture that led to death, including 12 children, 9 women, and 15 elderly individuals. Many died either in Houthi cells or shortly after their release due to deteriorating health conditions. The militia appears to evade responsibility for these deaths.

Cases of Execution and Suicide

The report also notes that 32 detainees faced execution in Houthi prisons. Some individuals resorted to suicide to escape the brutal torture. Additionally, 79 detainees died due to neglect, while 31 succumbed to heart attacks.

Physical and Psychological Impact on Detainees

Approximately 218 detainees sustained injuries in Houthi prisons, including 26 children, 12 women, and 49 elderly individuals, suffering from paralysis, chronic illnesses, memory loss, and sensory impairments. Furthermore, around 1,325 detainees experienced various forms of physical and psychological torture, along with cruel treatment.

Unreported Cases and Ongoing Violations

The Yemeni Network for Rights and Freedoms emphasized the existence of numerous prisons in Houthi-controlled areas that remain undocumented due to the militia’s tight security grip. Thousands of opponents and activists are held in these facilities, facing severe torture and violations. The documented cases alone illustrate the extent of the Houthi militia’s crimes against detainees.

A Call for Awareness and Action

The network stated, "Houthi prisons remain overcrowded with Yemeni abductees, many of whom face baseless charges. Most detainees have no connection to the conflict, a situation unprecedented in Yemen. Meanwhile, genuine criminals have been released, leaving only those who cannot serve the militia’s criminal agenda."

The report underscores the various forms of torture inflicted on abductees, whether to extract false confessions or as retaliation for political and ideological beliefs that contradict Houthi objectives. The militia has established hundreds of secret prisons where they commit heinous acts of torture against detainees.

Conclusion

This alarming report sheds light on the grave human rights violations occurring in Yemen under Houthi control. It calls for urgent international attention and action to address the ongoing suffering of countless individuals trapped in a cycle of violence and oppression.

To follow the news in Arabic