News / Middle East

Fresh Protests in Yemen Despite State of Emergency

An anti-government protester shouts slogans during a rally demanding the ouster of Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Saleh in Sana'a, March 19, 2011
An anti-government protester shouts slogans during a rally demanding the ouster of Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Saleh in Sana'a, March 19, 2011
TEXT SIZE - +

Witnesses say Yemeni police have fired bullets and tear gas at anti-government protesters in the southern city of Aden, injuring at least seven people.

The incident took place on Saturday, a day after dozens of people were killed in a protest in the capital, Sana'a.  Medical officials said Saturday the death toll from Friday's government crackdown in the capital had risen from 40 to 52 people.  Medics and witnesses say more than 100 people were wounded.  

The Reuters news agency says two prominent members of Yemen's ruling party resigned on Saturday in protest of the killings. Shortly after Friday's crackdown, Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh declared a nationwide state of emergency.  News reports say military forces have set up checkpoints and barricades in the capital.

On Thursday, at least 85 people were reported wounded after Yemeni security forces and government loyalists clashed with protesters.  

World powers have criticized the violence.

Yemenis angered by poverty, corruption and a lack of political freedoms began demonstrations earlier this year.

Saleh also faces a challenge to his authority from al-Qaida militants, who have based themselves in lawless parts of Yemen to plot attacks on the government and the West.

Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

Follow our Middle East reports on Twitter
and discuss them on our Facebook page.

You May Like

Pakistan Reiterates Opposition to US Drone Strikes

Day earlier US President Barack Obama justified 'constrained' drone usage to save lives More

Study Identifies Risks of Human Spread of H7N9 Bird Flu

Study suggest that international measures to contain the H7N9 influenza, in the event of severe outbreak, will need to be targeted in Asia More

Violence Continues in Conakry Over Upcoming Elections

Opposition has called for boycott of elections More

Video Syria's Civil War Fuels Violence in Iraq

Analysts say al-Qaida-linked militants are flowing back and forth from both countries More

Video Star Trek Influence Lives Long and Prospers

As new movie thrills, many are once again discussing the iconic franchise's influence on society, science and technology More

OECD: Developing Green Cities Key to Sustainable Future

OECD suggests strategies to mitigate rapid growth, industrialization in urban centers, which produce about two-thirds of greenhouse gas emissions More

This forum has been closed.
Comments
     
There are no comments in this forum. Be first and add one

Featured Videos

Your JavaScript is turned off or you have an old version of Adobe's Flash Player. Get the latest Flash player.
Your JavaScript is turned off or you have an old version of Adobe's Flash Player. Get the latest Flash player.
Video

Video Volunteers Help Revive LA's Concrete River

The Los Angeles River is a concrete drainage channel through much of its 80-kilometer length. It channels waste-water from storm drains and has become a receptacle for much of the city's trash. But as Mike O'Sullivan reports, the river is slowly being restored with the help of volunteers, who take part in an annual clean-up.