UN demands investigation into death of staff member detained by Houthis in Yemen

The United Nations has called for an investigation into the death of its staff member Mohammed al-Shami, who had been detained by the Houthis in Yemen since June 2024, after his family was informed of his death over a month ago.

The United Nations has demanded an investigation into the death of its staff member Mohammed al-Shami, who had been arbitrarily detained by the Houthis in Yemen since June 2024. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights stated that al-Shami, an employee of the UN Human Rights Office in Yemen, was arbitrarily detained, and that his family was recently informed of his death over a month ago. High Commissioner Volker Türk described the death as a "heartbreaking loss" and called on the Houthi authorities to conduct an urgent and independent investigation, disclose medical and detention records, and determine responsibilities. Türk also expressed grave concern for the safety of other detained staff, including seven of al-Shami's colleagues, aid workers, and civil society members, and reiterated his call for their immediate and unconditional release.