Al-Maqtari to Asharq Al-Awsat: We Are Documenting Houthi Attacks...No Immunity for Perpetrators of Grave Crimes

Yemen's Minister of Legal Affairs, Judge Ishraq Al-Maqtari, asserted that any future political settlement will not shield perpetrators of grave crimes from accountability. Legal responsibility will extend beyond direct actors to include leaders who planned, financed, or facilitated such offenses.

Al-Maqtari revealed that national authorities are actively documenting violations by the Iran-backed Houthi group. They are collecting evidence of crimes targeting cities, ports, economic facilities, and infrastructure across Yemen. She emphasized the need for comprehensive legislative reform to address the war's impact, restore the rule of law, and adapt to economic, technological, and social shifts. The legislative roadmap focuses on updating sovereign and institutional laws, improving the economic and investment climate, and embracing digital transformation while protecting rights.

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any future political settlement will not grant immunity to perpetrators of grave crimes, nor erase victims' rights or prevent those responsible from being pursued and held accountable.

The minister described Houthi attacks on civilian areas and infrastructure as punishable crimes under Yemeni law and severe violations of international humanitarian law. She stressed that accountability encompasses planners, financiers, and facilitators, not just those who carried out the acts. Al-Maqtari affirmed that neither immunity nor the erasure of victims' rights will be part of any future political settlement, ensuring those responsible face pursuit and accountability.

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responsibility is not limited to those who directly carried out the crimes, but extends to the leaders who planned, issued orders, financed, and facilitated their execution.