Trial Begins for 13 Accused of Spying for CIA in Yemen
The first hearing in the trial of 13 individuals accused of collaborating with a vast espionage network linked to the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has begun in Sanaa, the capital of Yemen, according to reports. The suspects appeared before Yemen’s criminal court to face charges of espionage and compromising the nation’s national security.
The session, presided over by Judge Yahya Al-Mansour, was held in the presence of representatives from the prosecution and defense attorneys. During the hearing, the indictment against the accused was read aloud, and the prosecution presented the evidence and documents compiled in the case. The defendants, in turn, requested access to copies of the case files, with the court postponing further examination of the evidence to subsequent sessions.
Details of the indictment reveal that the accused were involved in managing organized espionage operations both inside and outside Yemen from the late 1980s until 2024. According to the charges, they allegedly exploited the cover of civilian and humanitarian projects to collect sensitive military, security, political, economic, and social information that could affect Yemen’s vital national interests.
The indictment also accuses members of the network of recruiting operatives in various sectors and submitting reports and recommendations to hostile foreign entities. In addition, they are said to have undergone training in the establishment of intelligence cells and mechanisms for recruiting and leading informants.
Direct accusations have also been made against the group for participating in activities that undermine Yemen’s independence and territorial integrity while strengthening the capabilities of hostile foreign powers. This case is considered one of the largest espionage trials in Yemen in recent years, raising serious concerns about foreign infiltration in the country’s internal affairs.
