News Center– The Middle East and North Africa Regional Democratic Women’s Coalition (NADA) described the armed killing of Aftihan Muhammad Ahmed al-Mashheri, Director of the Cleaning and Development Fund in Taiz, Yemen, as a “horrific crime.” NADA held the Yemeni authorities and security institutions directly responsible for this murder.

In its statement, NADA said: “With deep pain and sorrow, we learned that the Director of the Cleaning and Development Fund in Taiz, Aftihan al-Mashheri, was targeted and killed by treacherous hands. This attack was not only against her life but also against the values of labor, sacrifice, and humanity.”

NADA emphasized that this massacre is a clear violation of national laws and international conventions, particularly the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It also highlighted that the growing assassinations and attacks on civilians in Yemen are undermining the rule of law and threatening social peace.

The statement continued: “Therefore, we call on the government and security authorities to assume full responsibility for this crime. We demand that the perpetrators be immediately arrested and held accountable in a fair, transparent, and public trial.”

NADA further stressed the need for an independent and transparent investigation, adding that ensuring the perpetrators do not go unpunished would help restore trust. The statement included the following:

“Special protection must be provided so that women activists and women working in public life can continue their roles in a safe environment. The killing of Aftihan al-Mashheri is concrete evidence of the danger posed by the culture of violence and terror. Her spilled blood will only strengthen our determination to continue the struggle for justice, equality, and a safe and dignified life for all.”