Yemen’s Houthi Court Sentences 17 to Death for Alleged Spying for Israel, U.S., and Saudi Arabia
A Houthi-controlled court in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, has handed down death sentences to 17 individuals accused of spying for Israel, the United States, and Saudi Arabia, according to reports from rebel-run media.
According to the Houthi-run news agency Saba, the Specialized Criminal Court convicted the 17 men of operating “espionage cells within a spy network affiliated with American, Israeli, and Saudi intelligence.”
They were sentenced to death by firing squad, with executions reportedly to be carried out in a public place, the court said.
Charges and Allegations
The court accused the defendants of collaborating with foreign governments “in a state of enmity with Yemen” between 2024 and 2025.
Among the specific allegations:
Acting under the direction of officers from U.S., Saudi, and Israeli intelligence services, including Mossad.
Using encrypted devices, hidden cameras, and location-tracking apps.
Sharing sensitive information about Houthi military infrastructure: missile sites, launch points, and leadership movements.
Recruiting other citizens to assist their activities and planting surveillance equipment.
Receiving payment for their work, which allegedly resulted in attacks on military, civilian, and strategic sites.
Defense and Appeal
A lawyer for some of the accused, Abdulbasit Ghazi, stated on social media that his clients have the right to appeal the sentence.
He also said that two other people tried in the same case — one man and one woman — were given 10-year prison terms, and a separate individual was acquitted.
Context and Reactions
The sentencing comes amid a broader crackdown by the Houthis. In recent months, they claimed to have dismantled a “spy network” embedded within humanitarian organizations, alleging it served U.S. and Israeli interests.
Rights groups and analysts have questioned the fairness of Houthi trials, citing concerns about due process.
Yemen has seen frequent use of the death penalty, including for espionage, under Houthi courts.
Implications
This ruling is likely to deepen international tensions. The Houthis present the verdict as a major security win; their critics, however, argue it could serve as a political tool to suppress dissent and consolidate power. The case also raises alarm over the treatment of detainees and the transparency of judicial procedures under Houthi control.
