Michigan – The American Center for Justice (ACJ) has urged Yemeni authorities in Marib Governorate to immediately and unconditionally release Mohsen Mohammed Al-Baydani, who has been arbitrarily detained since October 2023 by the Political Security Agency in Marib. His detention has involved severe violations of fundamental rights guaranteed by the Yemeni Constitution and international human rights law.

According to ACJ, Al-Baydani’s family has endured uncertainty and enforced disappearance since his arrest. The detaining authorities denied holding him for over a month and prohibited any communication with his family, violating Article 48 of the Yemeni Constitution, which guarantees detainees the right to communicate with their families and legal counsel. These actions also contravene Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which explicitly forbids enforced disappearances.

More than a year after his detention, Al-Baydani’s family remains unable to visit him or learn the charges against him. In July 2024, a military prosecutor ordered his release on bail following an investigation, but this order has not been executed. This disregard for legal rulings constitutes a blatant violation of the rule of law and Al-Baydani’s fundamental rights.

ACJ highlights that in August 2024, explicit written directives for Al-Baydani’s release were issued by Major General Sultan Al-Aradah, Vice Chair of the Presidential Leadership Council and Governor of Marib. However, these orders have not been carried out, raising serious concerns about the enforcement of judicial and executive decisions in Yemen.

Al-Baydani’s ongoing detention, despite the conclusion of legal procedures, coupled with his inability to meet his family—including his first child, born during his incarceration—represents a grave breach of human rights. These include violations of Articles 9 and 10 of the ICCPR and Yemen’s constitutional and international commitments.

The American Center for Justice (ACJ) calls on security authorities in Marib Governorate to immediately end this unlawful detention, enforce the release order without further delay, and ensure respect for judicial rulings and detainees’ rights. ACJ also urges adherence to constitutional and international laws to safeguard human dignity and the rule of law.