UN condemns Houthi broadcast of video showing detained staff member making ‘forced statement’

The United Nations on Tuesday condemned the Houthi group for broadcasting a video that captured a staff member making a “visibly forced statement” while in detention. Anadolu reported the incident.

“We issued a note yesterday in which we condemned the broadcast on the 5th of November, 2026, of video footage showing a United Nations staff member making a visibly forced statement while in custody of the Houthi de facto authorities.”

“The video exposes our colleague to public vilification, puts him at further risk, and causes distress to his family,” said deputy spokesman Farhan Haq.

“The UN urged Houthi authorities to immediately remove the video and cease publishing statements recorded while personnel are in detention,” Haq said.

He further urged the authorities to guarantee safety and humane treatment for all detained personnel and to release them “immediately and unconditionally.”

“Haq called on member states to act collectively to pressure the Houthis into releasing all detained personnel,” stressing that the detainees include not only United Nations staff but also employees of other international organizations and NGOs.

“We have submitted these appeals to the Security Council and to influential nations, continuing to do so. Unfortunately, we have not yet obtained the necessary outcome,” he added.

He confirmed that one detainee had been released a few weeks ago, while approximately 70 personnel remained in captivity.

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