The National Authority for Prisoners and Abductees issued a dire warning on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, stating that 70 civilian hostages are at risk of execution by the Houthi rebels.

During a press conference held in Marib, the authority revealed that the Houthis, internationally designated as a terrorist group, have previously issued 145 death sentences against civilian hostages.

"The Houthis have already carried out 9 of these sentences," the authority stated. "26 hostages from this category were exchanged in local and international deals. They also issued similar death sentences against 12 hostages after their release, executed 25 civilians who were not kidnapped, and issued two death sentences against two deceased individuals. A single victim was pardoned by the so-called Supreme Political Council affiliated with the Houthis."

The National Authority for Prisoners and Abductees condemned the death sentences issued by Houthi courts as lacking legal legitimacy and a blatant violation of human rights.

They asserted that the Houthis "utilize the judiciary to settle political scores, posing a threat to political detainees and disregarding fair trial standards," referencing the UN's description of previous Houthi trials against 9 individuals from Hodeidah governorate.

The authority highlighted that the group issued death sentences against 17 hostages who were later exchanged in local and international deals, and also issued death sentences against 12 hostages after their exchange. They noted that 10 hostages remain in detention, having completed their detention periods according to the group's claims.

They emphasized that these trials are conducted under the authority of the Houthis, who lack legal legitimacy and operate outside the framework of Yemeni and international law. They asserted that "judges in these courts are tools in the hands of the group, used to embellish systematic political eliminations."

The authority called for an independent international investigation into the committed violations, including enforced disappearance and torture. They urged the imposition of political and diplomatic pressure on the Houthis and the prosecution of those responsible through international courts to ensure they are held accountable.

During the conference, Mohammed Fare', the father of a hostage, appealed to the UN and international organizations to pressure the Houthis to release the hostages and halt the political trials.

Relatives of the hostages also addressed a message to the President and members of the Presidential Leadership Council, urging them to activate government capabilities to secure the release of their loved ones from Houthi prisons.