Save the Children announced today, Thursday, that it has suspended its humanitarian and relief operations in areas controlled by the Houthi movement in northern Yemen, following the announcement of the death of one of its employees in a Houthi prison in Sana'a.
The organization, headquartered in London, stated in a press release, "We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of Hisham Al-Hakimi, the head of security and safety for our office in Yemen, while in detention in Sana'a. Under these circumstances, we will be suspending our operations in northern Yemen immediately."
The statement, which was reviewed by Reuters, indicated that Houthi authorities had arrested Al-Hakimi on September 9 outside of work hours without any charges or legal proceedings against him, nor did they clarify the reasons for his detention.
It noted that the Houthis had completely disappeared him and refused to allow anyone to see or communicate with him throughout his 50-day detention. The organization stated, "Despite repeated attempts by his family, legal representatives, and Save the Children’s team, no one has been able to see or speak with him during his entire period of detention."
They called for an independent and immediate investigation to clarify the circumstances and details surrounding Al-Hakimi’s death, who was 44 years old and the father of four children. Human rights sources stated that Al-Hakimi’s family received a call from the Houthi intelligence department on Wednesday requesting them to come and collect the body; however, they refused, demanding an autopsy to determine the cause of death and hold those responsible accountable.
