Michigan - The American Center for Justice (ACJ) and several human rights organizations have jointly sent today a letter to the U.S. Special Envoy to Yemen, Timothy Lenderking, urging him to take all possible measures to put a definitive end to the issue of detainees, especially political detainees held by the Houthi group. This appeal coincides with the consultative meeting between representatives of the Yemeni government and the Houthi group in the Sultanate of Oman.
The letter emphasizes that the situation of political detainees is dire and demands urgent attention. Many individuals have been held in inhumane conditions for years without due process. This ongoing detention without fair trials by armed groups is a clear violation of basic human rights and dignity.
A prominent case is that of Muhammad Qahtan, a leader of the Yemeni Islah Party, who was forcibly taken from his home in Sana’a on April 5, 2015, by the Houthi group. He has since been held incommunicado. His plight symbolizes the broader suffering of those detained for their political beliefs.
As negotiations between the Houthi group and the Yemeni government are scheduled to take place in Oman shortly, we urge that the issue of political detainees be prioritized. Any political agreement that overlooks this humanitarian crisis will lack credibility and effectiveness, perpetuating injustice and obstructing peace efforts.
We stand in full support of political detainees and their families and call for concerted international pressure. We urge you to leverage your influence, in collaboration with the international community and human rights organizations, to push for the release of all political detainees held by the Houthi group.
Latifa Jamel, President of the American Center for Justice (ACJ), said, "It is time for all Yemeni parties and international entities alike to assume their moral and humanitarian responsibility and ensure that the issue of political detainees is addressed as a fundamental and top-priority matter in the upcoming discussions. Resolving this matter swiftly is essential for ending the prolonged conflict in Yemen and reinforcing the integrity of any peace agreement.”
Signatory Organizations:
• American Center for Justice (ACJ)
• Abductees Mothers Association
• Defense Foundation for Rights and Freedoms
• Together We Rise Foundation for Women and Children
• SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties
• Mayyun Organization for Human Rights
• Dameer Foundation for Human Rights
• The Yemeni Coalition for Monitoring Human Rights Violations (YCMHRV)
• Rights Radar for human rights
• Tunisian United Network
