Taiz Rights Network condemns release of 1,200 prisoners & use of detainees as human shields

The Taiz Rights and Freedoms Network condemned the release of more than 1,200 prisoners, including convicts accused of murder, armed robbery , terrorism, and the detention of civilians for use as human shields by Saudi enemy forces in Taiz.

In a statement, the network said it had documented prison breakouts involving more than 1,200 inmates, including key suspects in the assassination of Iftihan Al-Mashhari, the late director of Taiz’s Cleaning and Improvement Fund.

It accused the forces of rearming the escapees and assigning them hostile , criminal missions, further escalating violations and insecurity.

The network also expressed concern over the detention of prisoners , civilians in conflict zones , targeted sites, where they face intimidation , violations and are allegedly used as human shields.

It said releasing and rearming convicted criminals fuels terrorism and threatens social peace, while using detainees as human shields constitutes a war crime under international humanitarian law.

The network held Saudi enemy and its allied forces responsible for the consequences of the releases and the safety of detainees at risk.

It urged the United Nations, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights , international organizations to condemn the violations and ensure those responsible are held accountable.