Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
A new report from the human rights organization “Rights Radar” has accused the Houthi group of being responsible for the overwhelming majority of deaths resulting from torture in prisons and detention centers across Yemen between 2014 and the end of 2024.
The report documented 1,781 cases of torture and ill-treatment, including 324 deaths. It attributes 97% of these deaths to the Houthis, describing their actions as “systematic and widespread practices” carried out in 727 detention sites across various governorates.
Among the victims of torture were 61 children and 31 women. The deaths resulting from torture or medical negligence included 12 children and 2 women. The report emphasizes that the Houthi group is responsible for the vast majority of these violations, including 97% of deaths within detention centers.
Sana’a ranked highest among the governorates in terms of torture cases and deaths, followed by Hudaidah and Ibb, which, according to the organization, reflects the extent of violations in Houthi-controlled areas.
In a related context, Rights Radar expressed deep concern over the continued enforced disappearance of politician Mohammed Qahtan, despite more than a decade passing since his arrest. The report noted that UN Security Council Resolution 2216 had called for his immediate release, a demand that has not been met, unlike other leaders covered by the same resolution who were subsequently released.
The organization accused the Houthi group of using Qahtan’s case as a political bargaining chip, amidst a complete blackout regarding his health status and place of detention.
In conclusion, Rights Radar called on all parties to the conflict in Yemen to immediately cease the practice of torture and violations against detainees. It urged the United Nations and its Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, to visit prisons, especially in Houthi-controlled areas, to assess the conditions of detainees and provide them with necessary humanitarian, medical, and psychological support.
