The United Nations has called for an immediate and thorough investigation following the death of a staff member while in the custody of Yemen’s Houthi authorities.
The deceased, identified as Mohammad el-Shami, had been detained since June 2024. His detention was part of a broader crackdown in which numerous United Nations and non-governmental organization (NGO) workers were accused of espionage.
The UN’s demand for an inquiry highlights the severe risks faced by international aid personnel operating in the region. El-Shami’s case is one of many instances where humanitarian workers have been targeted under the charge of spying, a claim that has drawn widespread criticism from the international community.
The incident underscores the deteriorating security environment for diplomatic and humanitarian staff in Yemen. The call for an investigation seeks to establish the circumstances surrounding el-Shami’s death and to hold those responsible accountable.
<small>Source: Al Jazeera — read the original story there.</small>