GENEVA, Switzerland — The UN rights chief on Tuesday demanded that Yemen's Huthi rebels 'immediately and unconditionally' release detained UN staff and other aid workers, flatly rejecting allegations that they were part of a spy network.The Huthis on Monday said the people they arrested last week were part of a US-Israeli spy network, adding that those held worked under 'the cover of international organizations and UN agencies'.
'I urge the de facto authorities in Sanaa, Yemen, to immediately and unconditionally release them, as well as other individuals detained in relation to their affiliation with the UN, international NGOs or other actors supporting humanitarian activities,' he said.'It is crucial that the de facto authorities ensure that those detained are treated with full respect for their human rights and dignity, and that they are able to contact their families,' he said.