Barran Press
The Yemeni Ministry of Human Rights has issued a formal statement condemning the torture of seven Yemeni citizens on Omani territory, confirming a previously reported incident by "Barran Press." The ministry has pledged to pursue the case and ensure justice for the victims.
According to a statement released on Thursday, June 6, 2024, the ministry has been closely monitoring the situation since the incident came to light. The ministry's statement cites testimonies from the victims, who allege they were arrested by the Omani army after entering Oman and subsequently subjected to torture.
The victims were reportedly returned to Yemen after the torture, managing to reach the shipping directorate in Al-Mahra Governorate. The ministry has assigned its office in Al-Mahra to investigate the case and has confirmed that officials have met with the victims, taken statements, and documented their injuries.
The ministry has expressed "full condemnation of this crime" and has committed to ensuring that the necessary legal procedures are completed.
Meanwhile, Yemen's ambassador to Muscat, Khaled bin Shatief, met with the Inspector General of Police and Customs and the Commander of the Royal Oman Police, Hassan bin Mohsen Al-Shariqi, on Thursday. The meeting reportedly discussed issues concerning Yemeni residents and transients in Oman, as well as transportation procedures between the two countries.
The Yemeni Embassy in Muscat has stated on its Facebook account that Ambassador bin Shatief expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by Oman to Yemeni citizens, while the Omani officials reiterated their commitment to providing facilities to Yemeni nationals.
The initial report of the torture incident, published by "Barran Press" on Monday, June 3, included a video clip showing the brutal beating and torture of seven Yemeni citizens by the Omani army. The video, captured on a mobile phone camera, shows the men being detained and subsequently subjected to torture.
The individuals in the video claim that the Omani army confiscated their phones, documents, and money before transporting them to a detention site where they were beaten and tortured. They were eventually left in the desert, where they walked approximately 150 kilometers before being rescued in the border area of Habrut.