Yemen’s government approves law granting president and his aides immunity from prosecution
Source: The Washington Post / AP
SANAA, Yemen — Yemen’s Cabinet on Sunday approved a law granting President Ali Abdullah Saleh, and anyone who has worked under him, immunity from prosecution for any crimes committed during his 33-year rule.
The decision came as a surprise to many in Yemen, who believed that a power transfer deal he signed in November granted him and his family immunity from prosecution for the killings of protesters, but would not extend to cover his 33-year rule and anyone who worked in government.
The Cabinet approved the law despite nationwide daily protests demanding the longtime leader be put on trial for the killing of hundreds of people in raids on protest camps, the use of snipers and armed attacks on marches during the country’s 11-month popular uprising.
The wording of the law “provides President Ali Abdullah Saleh and those who worked with him, including in civilian, military and security institutions during the period of his presidency, legal and judicial immunity.”
Read More: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle-east/restive-yemeni-region-fires-security-chief-in-charge-of-protest-crackdowns/2012/01/08/gIQAj5IIjP_story.html
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