19 October 2011 – As large numbers of peaceful protesters continue to take to the streets demanding the fall of President Ali Abdallah Saleh, armed government supporters have attacked them. Since Saturday, 15th of October, at least 34 demonstrators, two of which were dissident soldiers, have been reportedly killed and more than 100 injured when they were marching to areas of governmental buildings of the Yemeni capital. There were also reports of snipers shooting at the protesters.
Parallel to this ongoing deadly repression of protests, Sanaa still witnesses alarming violence between pro-Ali Abdullah Saleh forces and the armed opposition. Heavy fighting has been reported ranging from rockets and mortars to heavy machine guns leading to the death of dozens and many more injured.
The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) strongly condemns the relentless use of excessive force to crush peaceful protests. FIDH is moreover extremely alarmed at the increasing level of violence between pro-Ali Abdullah Saleh forces and the armed opposition which further impacts the dire humanitarian situation that the population is facing. FIDH calls upon both sides to refrain from the use of force and to guarantee the protection of civilians.
