ADEN, Yemen – At least two people were killed and 15 injured during a rally for reconciliation between the northern and southern provinces of Yemen. According to a statement by official local authorities, the violence resulted from actions by “criminal elements”, firing indiscriminately into the crowd, and who were later arrested. The official state news agency, Saba, reported two deaths and 16 injuries.
However, witnesses and rally organizers claim that the violence resulted from actions by the security forces, which had surrounded the rally. Witnesses report that security forces used water cannons and live ammunition to disperse the crowds. Ali Mounasser, the secretary of Yemen’s opposition socialist party, told AFP that the rally was conducted in a peaceful manner and was ending when violence broke out.
The rally, “Reconciliation and Forgiveness Rally for Southern Provinces”, was held in the southern port city of Aden. The rally was intended to draw attention to the inequalities, especially economic, suffered by southern residents since their unsuccessful bid to break away in 1994.
For more information, please see:
AFP – Four Dead in Yemen Protest: Witnesses – 13 January 2008
BBC – Protesters killed at Yemen Rally – 13 January 2008
News Yemen – Two Killed, Some Injured in Aden Reconciliation Rally – 13 January 2008
Reuters – Two People Killed in Clash at Yemen Political Rally – 13 January 2008
Saba Net – Security Detains 11 Persons Due to Aden Clashes – 13 January 2008
