The Yemeni Network for Rights and Freedoms states that Houthi courts lack jurisdiction, rendering all their rulings invalid.
Urgent Call for International Intervention Against Houthi Trials
The Yemeni Network for Rights and Freedoms has urgently called on the international community to intervene and halt the sham trials conducted by Houthi militias in areas under their control.
Loss of Legal Authority
In a recent statement, the network emphasized that the so-called “Specialized Penal Court” in Sana’a lost all legal and constitutional authority following the Houthi coup against state institutions in September 2014. Consequently, all rulings issued by this court against civilians and dissenters are deemed invalid and without legal effect under Yemeni law and international legal frameworks.
Violations of Human Rights
The network highlighted that the death sentences issued by the court have affected dozens of civilians. The most recent ruling condemned 17 civilians to death in Sana’a, representing a blatant violation of the right to life and the right to a fair trial. These actions breach judicial guarantees and amount to war crimes under the Geneva Conventions and international humanitarian law.
Political Manipulation of the Judiciary
The report accused the Houthis of transforming the judiciary into a political platform. They use it to eliminate opponents and legitimize arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances. The network noted that the Houthis extract confessions through torture and issue death sentences against captives, activists, journalists, academics, and public servants.
Complicity of Houthi Judges
The network stated that judges appointed by the Houthi militias have become part of a system of oppression and violation. They perform their duties under duress or complicity, making them liable for international legal accountability. Their involvement in issuing invalid rulings incurs individual criminal responsibility.
Demands for Global Accountability
The network urged the international community to activate universal jurisdiction against those involved in these violations. It called for the inclusion of judges and Houthi leaders responsible for death sentences on international sanctions lists. Additionally, it emphasized the need to provide legal protection for victims and their families.
The Yemeni Network for Rights and Freedoms continues to advocate for justice and accountability in the face of ongoing human rights abuses in Yemen.
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