Yemen: Torture Claims Emerge from Secret UAE-Run Prisons in Hadramout
More than six years after his release from a secret prison in Yemen’s eastern Hadramaut province, Ali Hassan, 39, continues to grapple with the trauma of over two years in detention. He describes his experience as “extremely bitter and very painful.”
Secret Prisons and Allegations of Abuse
Hassan alleges he was held in a secret prison run by the United Arab Emirates and local Yemeni forces known as the Hadramaut Elite Forces, located within the presidential palace in Hadramaut. He recounts being stripped of his clothing and subjected to cold water during interrogations, initially by the Hadramaut Elite Forces and then transferred to Emirati officers.
Hassan states he was detained twice, first in 2016 and again in 2017. He describes the prison conditions as inhumane, stating, “Rooms closed and dark, hands tied and eyes blindfolded. Twenty days passed without an opportunity to clean the body. They used physical and psychological torture, solitary confinement several times, and beatings many times.”
False Accusations and Release
Hassan claims he was falsely accused of affiliation with the Islah party, a major opposition group in Yemen, a claim he vehemently denies. He states, “I have no affiliation to any political party. Even the investigator told me later: ‘I have nothing against you, but the Emiratis wanted you.’”
In 2019, Hassan was transferred to Hadramaut Central Prison and brought before a judge, after which he was released without charge.
Recent Discoveries and Concerns
The case of Ali Hassan and other former detainees has resurfaced following an announcement by Hadramaut Governor Salem Ahmed Al-Khanbashi on Monday regarding the discovery of “secret prisons in sites where Emirati forces were stationed.”
Governor Al-Khanbashi expressed concern over the discovery of equipment and materials within Emirati bases, particularly around Al-Rayyan International Airport, that are unrelated to regular armies. This included explosives, detonators, and components typically used by terrorist groups, as well as the discovery of the secret prisons themselves.
The implications of these discoveries could be far-reaching. It is possible that further investigations will be launched to determine the full extent of the alleged abuses and the involvement of all parties concerned. A possible next step could involve calls for accountability and transparency from both the Emirati government and Yemeni authorities. Analysts expect increased scrutiny of the activities of foreign forces operating within Yemen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the conditions like in the secret prison?
Ali Hassan described the prison as having “rooms closed and dark, hands tied and eyes blindfolded,” with detainees going “twenty days without an opportunity to clean the body.” He also reported the use of physical and psychological torture, solitary confinement, and beatings.
What was Ali Hassan accused of?
Hassan was accused of belonging to the Islah party, a major opposition group in Yemen, but he denies any affiliation with the party. He states that even an investigator told him the accusations stemmed from a desire by Emirati forces.
What did the governor of Hadramaut discover?
Governor Salem Ahmed Al-Khanbashi announced the discovery of secret prisons at sites formerly occupied by Emirati forces, along with materials including explosives and components used by terrorist groups.
What responsibility do international actors bear when allegations of human rights abuses surface in conflict zones?