"The defendants colluded with hostile nations during the 2024-2025 period, specifically the UK, Saudi Arabia, and the US, acting as spies to serve the interests of these countries through their agents and from the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad," the Houthi criminal court in the capital Sanaa announced on 22/11.
The court stated that the 17 individuals sentenced to death would be executed by firing squad in a public place to deter others. Two other people were sentenced to 10 years in prison, and one was acquitted. Lawyer Abdulbasit Ghazi, representing some of the defendants, said they could appeal the verdict.
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Defendants during the criminal court trial in the capital Sanaa on 22/11. *Photo: Saba* |
According to the court, these individuals were accused of inciting and aiding in the recruitment of citizens. These actions allegedly led to attacks on Houthi military and security facilities and civilian sites, resulting in dozens of deaths and widespread material damage.
The court specified that Mossad directed these individuals, providing them with encrypted communication devices and location tracking applications. Mossad also trained them to use disguised cameras and integrate them with live streaming systems.
The defendants reportedly provided the enemy with sensitive information. This included the locations of dozens of Houthi leaders and officials, their travel schedules, and secrets related to the political, military, and security situation. They also shared information on missiles, launcher positions, and storage facilities.
This crackdown occurs amidst ongoing regional tensions. Houthi has repeatedly attacked Israeli targets to show solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. In response, Israel has launched strikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. The UK and the US have also conducted airstrikes against some Houthi targets to prevent them from intercepting or attacking cargo ships passing through the Red Sea.
Houthi recently launched a wide-ranging spy crackdown to apprehend those suspected of working for foreign intelligence. This operation intensified after an airstrike in late August killed Ahmed Ghaleb Nasser al-Rahawi, the leader of Houthi's executive authority, along with several other officials.
By Nguyen Tien (AFP, Saba)
