UN calls for inquiry into employee's death in Houthi custody in Yemen
UN human rights chief Volker Türk called on 31 October 2026 for an independent investigation into the death of Mohammad el Shami, an employee of his Yemen office held by the Houthis. The call is new; the death reportedly occurred more than a month earlier, according to his family as cited by the UN.
Türk said the employee had been held since 6 June 2024. His family learned of the death only recently and received no explanation of its cause or circumstances. He requested medical and detention records, preservation of evidence and independent scrutiny.
Reuters also reports that Yemen's prime minister condemned the death and held the Houthis responsible. That position remains attributed to the government. The material consulted establishes neither a medical cause, an exact date nor investigative findings. Türk also called for the release of other detained UN staff.