Report Reveals Alarming Torture Cases in Houthi Prisons

The Yemeni Network for Rights and Freedoms has documented a staggering 1,893 cases of torture perpetrated by Houthi militias, backed by the Iranian regime, across 15 Yemeni provinces. This report, released on the occasion of International Day in Support of Victims of Torture (June 26), covers the period from January 1, 2018, to early 2026.

Victims of Torture: Children, Women, and the Elderly

The report highlights that the field team recorded:

• 1,893 individuals subjected to physical and psychological torture.
• Among these, 117 children.
• 43 women.
• 89 elderly individuals.

Additionally, the network documented 394 cases of torture leading to death, which included:

• 12 children.
• 9 women.
• 15 elderly individuals.

The report indicates that many victims died in Houthi detention centers or shortly after their release, suggesting an attempt by the militias to evade responsibility.

Physical Elimination and Medical Neglect

The report also recorded:

• 32 cases of physical elimination within prisons.
• Instances of suicide among detainees due to torture.
• 79 deaths attributed to medical neglect.
• 31 deaths resulting from heart attacks.

Permanent Disabilities and Widespread Human Suffering

A total of 218 detainees suffered permanent disabilities due to torture, including:

• 26 children.
• 12 women.
• 49 elderly individuals.

The disabilities varied from complete and partial paralysis to memory loss, as well as visual and auditory impairments, alongside chronic illnesses. Furthermore, 1,325 detainees experienced various forms of torture and cruel treatment.

Houthi-Controlled Prisons and Detention Centers

According to the network, the Houthi militia operates:

• 382 official prisons that they have seized.
• 357 secret prisons established after their coup.
• Numerous detention centers located within government buildings, military sites, Quranic schools, political party offices, and the homes of politicians.

The report confirms that thousands of detainees remain in these facilities, most of whom have no connection to the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, the militias have released individuals with criminal backgrounds who do not align with their agenda.

Systematic Torture Under Iranian Oversight

The network asserts that torture occurs under direct instructions from Iran and is overseen by leaders from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. Some torture incidents have culminated in executions and physical eliminations.

Call for Urgent International Investigation

The network has renewed its call to:

• The United Nations.
• The Human Rights Council.
• International human rights organizations.

They urge immediate action to halt torture crimes, initiate an independent international investigation, and hold those responsible accountable, emphasizing that these acts constitute crimes that do not expire and represent a blatant violation of international humanitarian law.

For further details, visit the full report on Yemen TV.

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