UN Demands Probe After Yemeni Staff Member Dies in Houthi Custody

Mohammad el Shami, a Yemeni staff member of the UN Human Rights Office, has died in Houthi custody after being detained since June 6, 2024. His family learned of his death more than a month after it occurred and has received no explanation of the circumstances, the UN said. Human Rights Chief Volker Türk called for an independent investigation, preservation of evidence and disclosure of medical and detention records. The UN also urged the immediate, unconditional release of its personnel and other humanitarian and civil society workers still detained.