Houthi court sentences 18 Yemeni UN aid workers to death for 'spying for Israel'
Sanaa, Nov 23
A Houthi-run court in Yemen's capital Sanaa sentenced 18 Yemeni aid workers employed by United Nations humanitarian agencies to death for allegedly spying for Israel.
The ruling says that the "convicts" will be executed by firing squad in a public place in Sanaa. Meanwhile, the same court handed two others, including a woman, 10-year prison terms on the same charges.
In a statement broadcast by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV on Saturday (local time), the court accused the convicts of providing Israel, the United States, Britain, and Saudi Arabia with information on dozens of Houthi leaders' locations, movements, and secrets related to political, military, and security matters, as well as information about missiles, including their launch sites and storage facilities.
The court added that the convicts recruited several citizens, installed surveillance cameras, and received payments in return, actions that led to attacks on multiple military, security, and civilian sites, causing dozens of deaths and extensive infrastructure damage, reports Xinhua news agency.
In August, a series of Israeli airstrikes on Sanaa -- carried out in response to Houthi missile and drone attacks toward Israel -- killed dozens of Houthi officials, including 12 "ministers" and Mohammed Abdulkarim al-Ghamari, chief of staff of the Houthi military forces, dealing a major blow to the movement.
In response, the Houthis stormed several UN aid agency offices, detaining dozens of Yemeni aid workers, including those sentenced Saturday.
Last week, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV aired footage showing those sentenced delivering what the Houthis claimed were "confessions."
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned the Houthis, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all UN aid workers, and warned that obstructing humanitarian relief in Yemen puts millions at risk of famine.
Since October 2023, the Houthis have launched a series of missile and drone attacks toward Israel to show solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Israel responded with airstrikes on Houthi-controlled sites and cities, resulting in casualties.
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— IANS
Reader Comments
As an Indian, I've seen how humanitarian aid saves lives during crises. Targeting UN workers sets a dangerous precedent worldwide. The Houthis are punishing those who are actually helping Yemeni citizens survive. Shameful!
While I condemn targeting aid workers, we must also acknowledge that the Middle East conflict is complex. The region has suffered enough - both sides need to de-escalate for the sake of innocent civilians caught in between.
Public executions? This feels medieval. In 2023, we should be beyond such barbaric punishments. The UN needs to take stronger action - these are their employees being sentenced to death!
The timing is suspicious - right after their leaders were killed in airstrikes. Seems like they're using these aid workers as scapegoats for their military losses. Very concerning pattern in conflict zones.
India has always stood for humanitarian principles. Our government should use its diplomatic influence to help resolve this crisis. Millions of Yemenis depend on UN aid for survival - this cannot continue.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.