Save the Children staffer dies in detention in Yemen

Save the Children is calling for an immediate independent investigation after its staff member died in detention in Yemen.

Safety and Security Director Hisham Al-Hakimi

Safety and Security Director Hisham Al-Hakimi was detained on 9 September while off duty. Despite repeated attempts by his family, legal representation and Save the Children’s teams, no one was able to see or speak with him throughout the entire period of his detention.

No charges or legal proceedings were filed by authorities or reason given for his detention in Sanaa. “In the circumstances, Save the Children will be suspending operations in Yemen with immediate effect,” the charity said.

Forty-four-year-old Hisham was a father of four who worked for the charity since 2006.

READ: Yemen: PM of Houthi-led gov’t claims some missiles ‘reached targets’ in Israel