Legal experts: Extrajudicial death sentences target any prisoner or those forcibly disappeared in militia-run jails.

Human rights advocates have raised alarm over the dire situation facing prisoners and detainees in facilities controlled by the Iranian-backed Houthi militias in Yemen. They assert that every individual imprisoned or forcibly disappeared by these groups represents a potential victim of extrajudicial execution.

Human Rights Violations Under Houthi Control

During a recent meeting organized by the Humanitarian Association for Rights and Freedoms, a group of human rights activists discussed the ongoing human rights violations in Yemen. They specifically addressed the arbitrary arrests, forced disappearances, kidnappings, repeated assaults, and unlawful executions carried out by the Houthi militias against civilians. Many of these individuals face execution without any legitimate charges.

Noura Al-Jarwi emphasized the plight of women in Yemen, particularly female detainees and those forcibly disappeared by Houthi forces. She called for a stronger intervention from international organizations to halt extrajudicial death sentences, citing cases involving women like Fatima Al-Arouli, Asma Al-Ameesi, and Intisar Al-Hamadi.

Eyewitness Accounts of Extrajudicial Executions

Jamal Al-Maamari shared his firsthand experiences of witnessing 13 cases of extrajudicial executions while detained. He urged authorities to rescue prisoners facing death sentences, especially minors who remain hidden in Houthi prisons. Al-Maamari recounted the execution of tribal leader Hassan Al-Hosawi, who was shot dead in a intelligence facility without any charges or trial.

Call for Improved Monitoring and Documentation

Riyad Al-Dubai highlighted the shortcomings in monitoring and documentation efforts by some United Nations agencies regarding Houthi extrajudicial killings. He stressed the importance of engaging with independent civil society organizations and field monitors, as they represent the true voice in the fight for human rights in Yemen. Al-Dubai also urged a review of reports from non-professional organizations based in Sana’a, reminding attendees of the plight faced by UN employees detained by Houthi militias.

Training Initiatives for Civil Society Organizations

Lisa Al-Badawi discussed the challenges families of victims face in reaching relevant UN bodies regarding Houthi crimes. She called for training sessions for civil society organizations to enhance their monitoring and documentation skills, ensuring that the necessary data reaches the appropriate agencies.

Houthi Militias’ Erosion of Legal Framework

Tawfiq Al-Sharabi pointed out that since their takeover, the Houthi militias have systematically undermined Yemeni laws and positioned themselves as a substitute for legal authority. He noted that they have issued hundreds of death sentences, the latest being against journalist Taha Al-Maamari, owner of Yemen Digital Media, following the confiscation of all his assets.

The gathering underscored the urgent need for international attention and action to address the escalating human rights abuses in Yemen, particularly the threat of extrajudicial executions.

 

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