Prisoner Burnt to Death in Military Prison

Soldier Mohammed Saleh Al-Bukair was found dead and his corpse was completely deformed by burning in one of the military prison's cells. Al-Bukair has been detained for two years over unintentional killing of his fellow soldier in Sa'ada.

Prison officials stress that he committed suicide by pouring kerosene on his body and setting fire into it, while his tribe followers reject such allegations and blame his death on what they call 'coward and evil hands' behind the incident.

They also asked Defense Minister and Brig. Ali Muhsen Al-Ahmar to conduct an inquiry into the issue and to disclose its circumstances.

Committing suicide in prison has been on the increase over the last few years and many observers confirm that citizens resort to suicide to escape the prolonged trials.

The military prison is among the prisons which are not inspected by general prosecution and human right organizations are not allowed into them, and officials still use iron shackles to tie prisoners there.