Taiz:The Taiz Rights and Freedoms Network has condemned the release of over 1,200 prisoners, including those convicted of murder, armed robbery, and terrorism. The organization has also criticized the use of civilians as human shields by Saudi enemy forces in Taiz.
According to Yemen News Agency, the network reported that it had documented prison breakouts involving more than 1,200 inmates, including suspects linked to the assassination of Iftihan Al-Mashhari, the former director of Taiz's Cleaning and Improvement Fund.
The network accused the forces of rearming these escapees and assigning them to undertake hostile and criminal missions, which has contributed to escalating violations and insecurity in the region.
Additionally, the network expressed serious concerns about the detention of prisoners and civilians in conflict zones and targeted sites, where they are subjected to intimidation, violations, and allegedly used as human shields.
The statement emphasized that the release and rearming of convicted criminals fuel terrorism and threaten social peace, while the use of detainees as human shields is considered a war crime under international humanitarian law.
The Taiz Rights and Freedoms Network held the Saudi forces and their allies accountable for the consequences of these actions and the safety of the detainees at risk. It called on the United Nations, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and international organizations to denounce these violations and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
