Widespread international condemnation of the Houthi death sentences and affirmations of the escalating intimidation approach in areas under their control.

Arab Sea Newspaper - Follow-ups

The United States, Britain, and France have expressed their categorical rejection of the death sentences recently issued by the Houthi group against a group of Yemeni citizens, considering these decisions a reflection of the escalating climate of repression in areas under the group's control. The embassies of the three countries explained, in a joint statement, that the sentences were issued following what they described as "sham trials" that lack the most basic legal guarantees, stressing that these practices show the Houthis' continued use of the judiciary as a means to silence opponents and intimidate society. The three countries also condemned the arbitrary arrests targeting United Nations employees, humanitarian workers, and Yemeni diplomats, and demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all detainees. The statement stressed that the international community will continue to exert pressure to protect civilians and stop violations that threaten peace efforts in Yemen. These condemnations come after the Houthi group announced, on Saturday, the holding of sessions in the Specialized Criminal Court to issue rulings against defendants it said belong to "espionage networks" linked to foreign intelligence agencies. The court, headed by Judge Yahya Al-Mansour, issued death sentences by firing squad against ten people, while another panel, headed by Judge Rabie Al-Zubair, sentenced seven additional defendants to death, in addition to prison sentences for two and the acquittal of another.