A Letter of Appeal
Mr. Martin Griffiths United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen
The International Committee of the Red Cross
International & local organizations concerned with the affairs of prisoners & detainees
At a time when we share in the joy of the families of prisoners and detainees as they prepare to meet their loved ones and relatives after the recent prisoner exchange agreement, there are yet many families of detainees that live in pain due to the fact that they are not affiliated with one of the parties of the ongoing conflict, and as such have no leverage to bargain with to have their family members freed, who are being unjustly detained by the Houthis in Sana’a.
We fully support the signing of this agreement, which saw no progress for two years, in its final form in the Jordanian capital Amman between the warring parties in Yemen in order to complete the exchange of prisoners and detainees between the two sides. However, we would like to remind you at the same time that there are detainees being held without any charges other than their belief in a religion that differs from the religion and beliefs of those who control the state institutions and judicial tools in Sana’a today.
We are sending an appeal to you and to every human being in this world to save the Baha’is who are unjustly imprisoned in Sana’a, and are being tried in unfair trials that target their freedom, belief, and their lives as well.
We also appeal to you to apply pressure for the release of (Libby Salem Musa) – a Jewish Yemeni. Especially since he is currently in poor health, and has previously obtained orders for his release and the release of those charged with the same charges brought against them by the prosecution, the court and the public prosecutor. And despite the release of those detained with him, he remains detained to this day for no other reason than his religion.
Finally, we would like to state that prisoners and warriors returning to their families and their children is truly a beautiful thing, and we hope that this will be a step in achieving a comprehensive peace in Yemen. However, it is truly shameful to have people who are not accused of anything, other than having a different belief and religion, remain in prison. So, is it fair that we only stand by those who possess power to exchange their prisoners, while we sit idly by when it comes to those who only have their voices in this war?
INSAF
For Defending Freedoms & Minorities
