Security
Houthi atrocities: Detention and death penalty threats against UN staff
UN personnel face grave dangers as Houthi forces escalate threats, including detentions and calls for the death penalty.
![Displaced Yemenis line up to receive bags of food and supplies to meet their basic needs in the western province of Hodeida on May 4, 2025. Houthi actions threatens the survivability of such efforts. [Khaled Zaid/ AFP]](/gc1/images/2025/11/14/52773-afp__20251105__fathi-notitle251105_nphlu__v1__highres__walkingthroughtheruinslifeing-600_384.webp)
Al-Fassel |
The Houthi detention of UN staff in Yemen constitutes a blatant violation of international norms and a direct affront to global humanitarian principles.
Such actions undermine critical aid efforts, jeopardizing the lives of vulnerable populations already suffering from conflict.
By targeting international personnel, the Houthis threaten global peace initiatives and erode trust in diplomatic processes.
This reckless behavior demands immediate condemnation to uphold international law and protect humanitarian missions.
Accusations of spying for Israel spark controversy
Yemen’s Houthi government plans to prosecute dozens of detained UN staff, accusing them of espionage for Israel.
The Houthis also allege that the staff were involved in an airstrike that killed senior Houthi officials.
Abdulwahid Abu Ras, the Houthis’ acting foreign minister, told Reuters that a cell within the UN’s World Food Program (WFP) allegedly targeted the "government."
The August Israeli airstrike on the capital, Sanaa, marked a significant escalation.
It killed the Houthi prime minister and nine ministers, making it the first such attack to claim high-ranking officials.
Following the strike, 36 UN employees were arrested, with the UN reporting that at least 59 personnel remain detained.
The organization has repeatedly denied the accusations.
Abu Ras stated that the legal process is being conducted under judicial supervision, with public prosecutors informed at every step.
"This will lead to trials and judicial rulings," he said.
Nasruddin Amer, a senior Houthi official, confirmed to the German Press Agency that the detainees would face charges of spying for Israel.
He added that these charges could result in the death penalty under Yemeni law.
"The judiciary will determine penalties for those accused of espionage in accordance with Yemeni law," Amer stated.
He emphasized that the accusations stem from longstanding laws predating the current regime.
UN operations face increasing challenges
The detentions have strained relations between the Houthis and the UN, which operates under challenging conditions in Houthi-controlled areas.
Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, revealed that hundreds of UN personnel, including international staff, remain in these regions.
The UN has expressed concern over the deteriorating environment, which hampers its ability to deliver aid to Yemen’s vulnerable population.
Houthi officials insist the trial targets individuals, not organizations.
Despite the tensions, Abu Ras claimed the Houthis remain committed to supporting humanitarian work.
"We will assist organizations adhering to humanitarian principles and facilitate their activities," he said.
The WFP has yet to comment on the situation.
As Yemen’s humanitarian crisis deepens, the fate of the detained UN staff remains uncertain, raising concerns about the future of aid operations in the country.