Investigation Committee: Death of Rashid Al-Hattam Ruled Suicide, No Evidence of Violations

A committee investigating the death of prisoner Rashid Alawi Issa Al-Hattam in Marib’s Political Security Prison on January 26 concluded that the incident was a suicide by a detainee caught violating the law. The committee found no evidence of legal breaches or misconduct.

The report, a copy of which was received by the Yemeni News Agency (Saba), stated that forensic and criminal evidence confirmed the cause of death as asphyxiation due to hanging. It detailed that the deceased took his own life inside his solitary cell, using the Western-style toilet and protruding wall iron to reach the window. He fashioned a rope from blanket and sheet fragments to hang himself.

The report noted no evidence of mistreatment or torture during his detention, a conclusion supported by the deceased’s relatives involved in the investigation. It added that fellow inmates close to him observed signs of psychological distress, including sleeplessness throughout the night.

Forensic and criminal reports reaffirmed that death resulted from hanging-related asphyxiation, with no signs of torture or other injuries. The committee, including the deceased’s relatives, unanimously agreed there was no mistreatment.

The investigation process, outlined in the report, was conducted transparently and objectively, with participation from security agency representatives, Qaifa tribal leaders, and the deceased’s family.

In its closing statement, the committee urged media outlets to exercise caution and accuracy, relying on official sources and avoiding baseless rumors aimed at destabilizing security in Marib.

The committee was chaired by Deputy Interior Minister for Resources, Major General Dr. Abdulhamid Al-Hammadi, and included the Deputy Governor of Al-Bayda for Radaa Affairs, the Director of Criminal Investigation in the province, the Deputy Security Director of Al-Bayda, the Deputy Head of Military Intelligence, and Sheikh Qaid Muqbil Al-Hattam.