Al-Murtada reveals start of process of implementing prisoner exchange deal on 19th of Ramadan

The head of the National Committee for Prisoners Affairs, Abdul Qadir Al-Murtada, revealed that the process of implementing the prisoner deal that was recently agreed upon in Geneva will take place during the 19th and 20th of Ramadan.

This came in a press conference held today at Sana’a International Airport, during his return and his accompanying delegation today from Geneva.

He explained that the deal, which will include 706 army prisoners and 181 from the other side, will be implemented by the Red Cross in three stages, in which the prisoners will be transferred first between Sana’a and Aden. Secondly, between Sana’a and Riyadh, and thirdly, between Sana’a and Marib.

He said: “We hoped that the deal would be greater than what was agreed upon, but the situation of the other party did not allow that, as they were several parties, so we could not reach a comprehensive and complete agreement with them that includes all prisoners and all detainees from all sides.”

He pointed out that during the round of talks, it was agreed to form committees from both sides to visit prisons in Marib and Sana’a, in preparation for a subsequent round in May, under the auspices of the United Nations.

Al-Murtada pointed out that preparations are currently underway for a solemn welcome for the prisoners, befitting their sacrifices and patience, expressing his hope that the other party will abide by what has been agreed upon.

In turn, the head of the Military Committee, Yahya Al-Razami, praised the efforts of the Revolution Leader, Sayyed Abdul-Malik Badr Al-Din Al-Houthi, and the President of the Supreme Political Council, Field Marshal Mahdi Al-Mashat, and their unlimited support, which resulted in reaching this agreement.

He stressed that this deal is promising for the release of the rest of the prisoners who sacrificed for the sake of religion and the homeland.