Yemen’s Houthi rebels unilaterally released 153 “conflict-related” detainees from Yemen’s capital city of Sana’a, according to the statement released by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Saturday. At a Sana’a press conference, officials revealed that most released prisoners were captured on the battlefront and are the wounded, elderly, and those in exceptional circumstances.
ICRC stated that these individuals had previously been visited by the ICRC as part of its work to ensure humane treatment and detention conditions. The release was also facilitated by the National Committee for Prisoners Affairs. Furthermore, the ICRC conducted private pre-departure interviews, informed families of the release, assessed detainees’ health, and arranged travel support.
Christine Cipolla, the ICRC’s head of delegation in Yemen, added:
This operation has brought much-needed relief and joy to families who have been anxiously waiting for the return of their loved ones. We know that many other families are also waiting for their chance to be reunited. We hope that today’s release will lead to many more moments like this.
At a press conference in Sana’a, Abdulkader al-Murtada, chairman of the Prisoners’ Affairs Committee, announced this second humanitarian prisoner release initiative within a year, coordinated with the UN and ICRC. Earlier in May 2024, ICRC had announced that the Houthi group unilaterally released 113 detainees in Sana’a, with ICRC facilitating the process at the Houthis’ request.
Al-Murtada also expressed hope that the gesture would break the deadlock in prisoner exchanges, urging the opposing side of Houthis to respond positively. He highlighted the humane treatment of detainees under their care, contrasting it with alleged abuses by the opposing side, and called for international pressure to inspect and improve conditions in the Marib prisons of Houthis.
The Third Geneva Convention, adopted in 1949, focuses on the treatment of prisoners of war (POWs) during armed conflicts. It outlines their rights, including humane treatment, protection against violence or intimidation, and access to medical care. The convention mandates that POWs must not be punished for taking part in hostilities and must be provided with adequate food, shelter, and communication with their families. It also establishes procedures for their release and repatriation after the conflict ends, ensuring respect for their dignity and welfare under international law.
Recently on Wednesday, the UN and International Maritime Organization welcomed the release of 25 crew members from the hijacked MV Galaxy Leader by Houthis.
However, UN Secretary-General António Guterres in a statement released on Friday strongly condemned the Houthi authorities’ arbitrary detention of seven UN personnel two days earlier, demanding their immediate and unconditional release. He emphasized that the safety of UN personnel must be guaranteed, and that the continued targeting of aid workers hampers efforts to assist millions in Yemen.
