Riots Spread Across Yemen
The protests continue into the third day and have spread across all the governates.
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
Public Statement
AI Index: MDE 31/013/2005 (Public)
News Service No: 199
22 July 2005
“Yemen: International rules on law enforcement must be upheld
Amnesty International is concerned at reports that dozens of people have been killed during violent protests over the last two days. Scores of protesters, including children, are said to have been arrested and may be at risk of torture.”
The Star :
Eleven people were killed and scores injured on Thursday in a second day of clashes between Yemeni security forces and rioters protesting fuel price increases.In the capital Sanaa, tanks and armored vehicles took up positions around the presidential palace, government ministries and oil sector offices. It was the first time tanks had been seen in Sanaa since the rioting broke out on Wednesday
The Houdeida clashes appeared to be the fiercest and witnesses said shots were fired. Unrest broke out again late on Thursday and heavy gunfire was heard, residents said.
According to World Bank figures, more than 42 percent of Yemen’s 19 million people live below the poverty line, illiteracy is around 50 percent and unemployment is more than 20 percent. The population is expected to double in 20 years. …
He said the IMF had also pressed the Yemeni authorities to increase the coverage of a social welfare fund that distributes cash subsidies to impoverished families. Critics said the government must end state corruption and cut military expenditure to help shore up the economy.
ISP: Ali al-Sarari, member of the Yemeni Socialist Party said the government is misleading people. ”Saying that the price increase is a global demand is illogical,” he told IPS.. ”Our conditions will improve if the government honestly fights corruption and properly exploits natural resources.”
