New details in trial of British espionage cell revealed

SANAA, May 18 (YPA) – In a session today, the Specialized Criminal Division in Sana’a—chaired by Judge Abdullah Al-Najjar—granted members of an espionage cell accused of collaborating with British intelligence a final opportunity to present their defense in the next hearing.

In May 2021, the Specialized Primary Criminal Court in the Capital Secretariat had sentenced five defendants to death by firing squad for spying on behalf of British and American intelligence agencies.

A sixth defendant was sentenced to five years in prison in the criminal case brought by the Public Prosecution.

The defendants are:

Arafat Qassem Al-Hashadi

Ali Mohammed Al-Ja’mani

Basim Ali Al-Kharouja

Saleem Abdullah Hubaysh

Ayman Mujahid Hareesh

According to the indictment, the defendants were involved in espionage and sabotage activities directed by operatives of the CIA and British intelligence on Yemeni territory, as detailed in criminal case No. (537) of the year 1441 AH (Islamic calendar).

The court confronted the defendants with evidence presented by the prosecution, which indicated direct American and British involvement in recruiting, training, and directing spies to carry out espionage and sabotage operations within Yemen.

The Public Prosecution, during prior court sessions, showcased a video recording containing the defendants’ comprehensive confessions.

These confessions traced their involvement in espionage and sabotage from the initial stages of recruitment and training to the implementation of missions.

The operations were reportedly overseen by the head of British intelligence stationed at a military base established by coalition forces at Al-Ghaydah Airport in Mahra province.

@E.Y.M