HRW: Forces used excessive force, arbitrarily detained protestors

Human Rights Watch (HRW) published findings Thursday that Yemeni government-aligned forces appeared to have used excessive force and arbitrarily detained protestors in February.

HRW’s investigation focused on protests in Aden, Shabwa and Hadramout. In clashes with protestors in Aden and Shabwa, government forces allegedly killed at least six people and injured dozens. In Hadramout, forces detained several protestors.

Many detainees were held for over two weeks without being taken before a judge or charged.

The report draws from 13 interviewees, including arrested protestors, witnesses, and Southern Transitional Council (STC) representatives.

HRW researchers also verified numerous online images and videos showing deployed force on protestors, who were reportedly peaceful.

Niku Jafarnia, Yemen and Bahrain researcher for HRW said “ The Yemeni government has long purported to stand up for free expression, and yet their actions don’t match their words. The government should be ensuring that Yemenis’ rights are respected during this period”.

HRW called on the Yemeni government to ensure a “speedy and effective investigation.” They contacted the administration on March 12 for comment but have not received a response..

These events form part of a long timeline of civil conflict in Yemen beginning in 2014. The country continues to face instability and humanitarian crises.