Geneva – SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties has expressed its deep concern regarding the death of poet Rashid Al-Hattam while in detention at the Political Security Prison in Marib city, northeast of Yemen. Human rights reports indicate that Al-Hattam was subjected to torture during his detention. Information suggests that Al-Hattab's arrest came after he celebrated the ceasefire in Gaza and chanted the "Sarkha" slogan associated with the Houthi group, in an area under the control of the internationally recognized government.

The organization stressed that Al-Hattam's death in unclear circumstances necessitates the opening of an immediate, transparent, and independent investigation to uncover the circumstances of his death, identify those responsible for this crime, and bring them to justice to ensure accountability. It emphasized that impunity for perpetrators encourages continued violations and undermines justice.

SAM mentioned that these violations are exacerbated by the absence of effective judicial oversight over detention centers, particularly those belonging to the Political Security apparatus. Some of these practices have led to the deaths of detainees, such as Adel Hilan and Ahmed Mohammed Abu Bakr, who died after being arrested without legal justification and subjected to torture. The list of victims also includes media personnel and activists who were arrested for their opinions and criticisms, such as Mohammed Ayash, Maneh Suleiman, and Hafez Mutair. It added that these arrests take place at security checkpoints merely on suspicion, as well as arrests from homes of some activists who expressed their opinions on controversial religious issues.

SAM considered that the continuation of these practices represents a flagrant violation of international human rights standards, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Both of these guarantee the right of every individual to protection from torture or cruel or degrading treatment and oblige states to refrain from torture, hold those responsible accountable, and compensate victims. This is in addition to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and the 1984 Convention against Torture, which obliges the Yemeni authorities to ensure the safety of all detainees and treat them with dignity and humanity. It affirmed that the protection of human rights and the rule of law are essential for achieving justice and peace in Yemen.

SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties called on the authorities in Marib and the relevant institutions to immediately release the results of the investigation into Al-Hattab's death and present them transparently to the public. It also demanded that all those involved in the case be brought to justice to receive fair punishment. It stressed the need to take urgent measures to ensure the safety of all detainees in detention centers and to prevent the recurrence of such violations, including reviewing detention conditions and mechanisms for dealing with detainees. The organization also called on the Yemeni authorities to adhere to international human rights standards and ensure the protection of the rights of all individuals without discrimination or retaliation. It affirmed its continued monitoring of this file and support for all efforts aimed at achieving justice and redressing victims.