Guterres condemns death of UN staff member in Houthi custody

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres says he is “appalled” by the death of UN staff member Mohammad el-Shami in Houthi custody in Yemen. A spokesperson for Guterres said the UN chief condemns the death of el-Shami, who worked with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and “calls for an immediate, impartial, transparent & thorough investigation”. In a statement, the spokesperson said the circumstances surrounding “this appalling tragedy” remain unclear. Meanwhile, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk termed el-Shami's death “utterly devastating”, and urges the Houthis to ensure a prompt investigation. El-Shami had been arbitrarily held by the Houthis since 6 June 2024, the UN said. His family told the UN he died more than a month ago, but were informed only recently, and have received no explanation of the cause or circumstances. “They deserve to know the truth,” Turk said. .@antonioguterres is appalled & condemns the death of a @UNHumanRights colleague, Mohammad el Shami, while in the custody of the Houthi de facto authorities in Yemen. He calls for an immediate, impartial, transparent & thorough investigation into his death:https://t.co/Z89tzTIVui — UN Spokesperson (@UN_Spokesperson) October 31, 2026