The Observers - ‘Barely enough room to stand up’: Inside Yemen’s secret prisons
France 24
by The FRANCE 24 ObserversFebruary 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The withdrawal of UAE troops from Yemen has led to the discovery of secret prisons in Hadramawt province, which were allegedly used by the Southern Transitional Council (STC) and their Emirati allies to detain journalists, activists, and political opponents. These facilities were sites of systematic torture, with prisoners confined in tiny, cramped cells lacking basic amenities like ventilation or light. The revelation comes after Saudi-led air strikes and an ultimatum prompted the UAE’s departure from Yemen, officially dissolving the STC but leaving it with de facto control over areas in Aden.
Among the uncovered prisons were those near Al-Mukalla and al-Dabba, where signs of torture and inhumane conditions were evident. Testimonies from researchers and former prisoners revealed cells so small that inmates could barely stand, along with graffiti protesting injustice and tally marks on walls tracking detention periods. These findings align with reports from Amnesty International and other NGOs, which documented 18 secret prisons across the region.
Despite the STC’s dissolution, concerns remain about the fate of those detained. While some prisoners were released after the withdrawal, many have not reappeared, sparking fears of elimination or removal from Yemen. Families of the missing, including members of the Abductees' Mothers Association, have demanded investigations and accountability for those responsible. Their efforts highlight the ongoing challenges in achieving justice and stability in Yemen, raising critical questions about human rights abuses and international involvement in the region’s conflicts.
This situation underscores the broader implications of political instability and human rights violations in Yemen, drawing attention to the need for transparency and accountability in a conflict-ridden region. The uncovering of these prisons serves as a stark
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on France 24 on 2/26/2026