SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties expressed deep concern over credible reports of the continued detention of Sheikh Shaif Jabr Al-Masoudi, a prominent social leader in Al-Qurayshiya District – Bilad Qifa, Al-Bayda Governorate, by the Houthis’ Security and Intelligence apparatus. He is reportedly held under harsh conditions with serious violations of his basic rights, amid reports of his transfer to the capital, Sana’a. Wider violations are also affecting residents of Hanakah Al-Masoud.

The organization noted that in April 2025, the Houthis summoned Sheikh Shaif Jabr Al-Masoudi along with other tribal leaders to the Security Directorate in Rada’a, Al-Bayda, after they acted as mediators in a tribal blood feud between Al-Masoud and Al-Sukran tribes. In blatant violation of legal and tribal guarantees, they were detained, first at the Political Security prison in Al-Bayda, then transferred to the Intelligence prison in Sana’a, where Sheikh Shaif remains confined.

SAM highlighted that Sheikh Shaif is held in solitary confinement without access to his family or lawyer, in harsh conditions, despite suffering from chronic illnesses, including hypertension and diabetes, leading to severe deterioration in his health. Disturbing reports also indicate he lost one eye during detention, raising serious concerns about possible torture or ill-treatment, strictly prohibited under international human rights law.

The continued detention without formal charges or presentation before an independent judicial body constitutes arbitrary detention and violates Articles 9 and 10 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), as well as the Nelson Mandela Rules on minimum standards for the treatment of prisoners.

SAM holds the Houthis fully responsible for the safety of Sheikh Shaif Jabr Al-Masoudi and 39 other detainees from Hanakah Al-Masoud, held in Sana’a since January 2025 without legal guarantees or fair trial procedures.

The organization also strongly condemned the ongoing Houthi retention of 15 bodies of victims from Hanakah Al-Masoud since January 2025, calling it a serious violation of human dignity and international humanitarian law. SAM criticized attempts to link the release of bodies to restrictions on burial locations, labeling it as prohibited collective punishment.

SAM further denounced the imposition of a strict siege on Al-Khasha in Hanakah Al-Masoud by the Houthis, the restriction of movement, the establishment of new checkpoints and fortifications, and the deployment of heavy military reinforcements, warning that these measures endanger civilians, threaten livelihoods, and recall serious violations earlier in January 2025, which may constitute war crimes under international law.

SAM called on the Houthis, as the de facto authority, to:

Immediately and unconditionally release Sheikh Shaif Jabr Al-Masoudi and all arbitrarily detained residents of Hanakah Al-Masoud.

Return the bodies of victims to their families without conditions.

Lift the siege on Al-Khasha and ensure the protection of civilians.

The organization also urged the United Nations and states with influence to apply urgent and effective pressure to stop these violations, ensure accountability, and prevent impunity.

SAM concluded by reiterating its call to the international community, the UN, and relevant human rights mechanisms to fulfill their legal and moral responsibilities, press for an end to these violations, ensure accountability, and put a stop to the culture of impunity in Yemen.