Yemen Minister: No Immunity for Grave Crime Perpetrators, Accountability Extends to Leaders

Yemen's Minister of Legal Affairs, Judge Ishraq Al-Maqtari, asserted that any future political settlement will not offer immunity to those who commit grave crimes. She stressed that accountability will extend beyond direct perpetrators to include leaders who planned, financed, and facilitated such acts.

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We are documenting Houthi attacks... No immunity for perpetrators of grave crimes.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Maqtari detailed ongoing efforts by national authorities to document violations by the Iran-backed Houthi group. Evidence is being gathered on crimes targeting cities, ports, economic facilities, and infrastructure across Yemen. She highlighted the necessity of a comprehensive legislative review to address the profound impacts of war, the "coup," and division, while adapting to economic, technological, and social changes.

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legal responsibility will not be limited to those who directly carried out the crimes, but will extend to the leaders who planned, issued orders, financed, and facilitated their execution.

The minister outlined a three-track legislative reform roadmap: updating sovereign and institutional legislation, developing the economic and investment environment, and advancing digital transformation while protecting rights. Al-Maqtari described the "deep distortions" caused by the Houthi "coup," including the disruption of state institutions, undermining judicial independence, and the proliferation of weapons outside state control. She stated that restoring the rule of law requires ending the coup, re-establishing state institutions, consolidating weapons solely within the state, unifying judiciary and law enforcement, and empowering the legitimate government nationwide.

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A state governed by the rule of law cannot be established in the presence of armed sectarian militias that impose their will by force and treat state institutions and resources as tools to serve their project.

Al-Maqtari characterized Houthi attacks on civilian areas and infrastructure as crimes punishable under Yemeni law and violations of international humanitarian law. She reiterated that accountability will not be waived in any political settlement, and victims' rights will be preserved. The documentation of Houthi crimes is a critical step in pursuing justice and accountability for widespread violations.

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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."