Rights Group Demands Release of Detained Sheikh, Others in Yemen

A human rights organization has expressed grave concern over the deteriorating health of Sheikh Shaif Jaber Al-Masoudi, a tribal elder from Al-Quraishiyah district in Al-Bayda governorate, who has been detained by Houthi militia authorities in Sana'a for over a year. The organization, "Eye for Human Rights," also called for the immediate release of approximately 35 other individuals from the Al-Masoud tribe held in the same facility.

In a statement released on Monday, "Eye for Human Rights" highlighted that Sheikh Al-Masoudi is suffering from critical health complications due to chronic illnesses. The statement asserted that he has lost vision in one eye as a result of being denied specialized medical care and deliberate neglect. Furthermore, he has been prevented from communicating with his family or meeting with his lawyer, which the organization deems a flagrant violation of international covenants and agreements concerning the treatment of prisoners.

The organization also drew attention to the detention of around 35 civilians from the Al-Masoud tribe in the same prison for over eighteen months. This detention has occurred amidst complete secrecy and a total lack of transparency regarding their legal status. These individuals have been denied their fundamental rights to defense or to be brought before independent judicial bodies to assess the legality of their detention.

"Eye for Human Rights" emphasized in its statement that the right to physical integrity and personal security, opposition to arbitrary detention, and the provision of full medical care are inherent rights guaranteed by international human rights law, particularly the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The organization demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Sheikh Shaif Jaber Al-Masoudi on health and humanitarian grounds, or alternatively, that he be granted access to fair and transparent legal proceedings. It also called for urgent and specialized medical care for Sheikh Al-Masoudi, allowing an independent medical committee to examine and assess his condition immediately. Additionally, it urged the guarantee of the rights of all detainees from the Al-Masoud tribe to communicate with their relatives and to facilitate visits from their lawyers without restrictions.

In conclusion, "Eye for Human Rights" issued an urgent appeal to the office of the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy to Yemen, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the International Committee of the Red Cross, urging their immediate intervention to activate monitoring mechanisms in prisons and ensure the safety of detainees. The organization reminded all parties to the conflict that any harm to the physical and health integrity of detainees constitutes a grave violation subject to international legal accountability, which does not expire with time.