Statement by the Abductees’ Mothers Association Condemning the Death of Abductee “Khaled Mohammed Abu Said” in Amran Governorate’s Preventive Prison under Mysterious Circumstances

The Abductees’ Mothers Association has received a report confirming the death of “Khaled Mohammed Abu Said” (40 years old) in the preventive prison in Amran Governorate. While extending our deepest condolences to his family, we strongly condemn this heinous crime committed by the Houthi group. Khaled was abducted on June 1, 2024, while transporting his wife to a hospital in the capital, Sana’a, for medical treatment. After his abduction, he was taken to an undisclosed location before being transferred to the preventive prison in Amran. He remained forcibly disappeared throughout this time, with his family unable to visit him or learn any details about his condition. Tragically, they were only informed of his death on August 23, 2024.

The Abductees’ Mothers Association is deeply concerned about the increasing frequency of these severe violations against civilians in Yemen, highlighted by the death of Khaled under unclear circumstances in Houthi prisons. These incidents raise alarming questions about the treatment of abductees held without any legal justification.

The repeated occurrence of such crimes, without accountability, only escalates the situation and constitutes a blatant disregard for legal and ethical standards. It challenges fundamental human values and international agreements designed to protect human rights.

We hold the Houthi group fully responsible for Khaled Mohammed Abu Said’s death in their custody.

We once again call on the international community and human rights organizations to urgently intervene to stop these crimes, which amount to war crimes. Immediate action is needed to secure the release of all abductees, forcibly disappeared persons, and arbitrarily detained individuals before it is too late. The protection of civilians and accountability for those responsible must be prioritized.

We stand in full solidarity with the family of Khaled Mohammed Abu Said and reaffirm our commitment to advocating for justice and reparation for all abductees and their families on the international stage.

Issued by the Abductees’ Mothers Association
Saturday, August 24, 2024