A rights organization documents 2,388 torture victims and 324 deaths in Houthi militia prisons.

Alarming Report on Torture and Deaths in Houthi Prisons

The National Authority for Prisoners and Abductees has released a shocking report detailing 2,388 cases of torture and 324 deaths resulting from direct torture or medical neglect in prisons run by the Iranian-backed Houthi militias. This data spans from 2014 to 2025.

Disturbing Statistics

In a statement issued on the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, the organization highlighted that among the torture victims, there are 275 women and 67 children. Alarmingly, the report also notes that 12 children and two women are among the deceased.

Systematic Violations of Human Rights

The Authority emphasized that these figures reflect a systematic pattern of abuse rather than isolated incidents. Such actions fall under the category of crimes against humanity, as defined by the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. The Houthi militias operate a vast network of detention facilities, comprising 778 prisons and centers across 17 Yemeni provinces. These facilities include official, secret, and private prisons where detainees face severe physical and psychological torture. Common methods include severe beatings, suspension, burning, branding, prolonged solitary confinement, denial of healthcare, verbal abuse, and sexual assault.

Urgent Call for International Action

The Authority expressed deep concern over the brutal practices inflicted on detainees in Houthi-run facilities, which starkly contradict humanitarian principles and international humanitarian law. The systematic violations constitute a consistent pattern of grave crimes that qualify as crimes against humanity under international law and relevant treaties.

Demands for Accountability

The National Authority for Prisoners and Abductees has called for immediate international action regarding these violations. It urges the global community to fulfill its responsibilities by forming an independent and impartial international committee to investigate torture crimes and abuses in Houthi prisons, holding those responsible accountable.

Immediate Release of Detainees

Additionally, the Authority demands the unconditional and immediate release of all abductees and those held unlawfully. It calls for the closure of secret and private prisons and insists on allowing local and international human rights organizations access to evaluate the humanitarian conditions of detainees.

The Need for Global Awareness

The Authority warns that continued international silence regarding these crimes threatens not only the future of justice but also empowers perpetrators to persist in their violations. It urges all international and human rights entities to use this day as a moment for accountability and to pressure for an end to the torture and suffering of detainees.

This report serves as a critical reminder of the urgent need for action to protect human rights and uphold justice in Yemen.

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