UN demands an investigation after a staffer dies in Houthi custody

Mohammad el-Shami, who worked for the UN Human Rights Office, died in Houthi detention more than a month ago, but his family was only recently told; he had been held since June 2024.

"Mohammad's family has not received any explanation of the cause or circumstances of his death – they deserve to know the truth," UN human rights chief Volker Türk said.

— Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

UN staff detained, according to Amnesty International

73 UN staff

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres demanded the release of all detained UN personnel; as of February, 73 UN staff were in Houthi detention, according to Amnesty International.

Background

El-Shami is the second UN staff member to die in Houthi custody, after a World Food Programme employee in February 2025; the Houthis have accused detained workers of spying.