NYN | News
The city of Crater in Aden witnessed a violent crackdown on Tuesday by UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces against a popular protest organized by the Coordinating Body of Civil and Human Rights Forces, which was held to denounce the worsening living conditions and public services in the country.
According to local sources, the forces used violence to disperse the demonstrators, opening fire on protesters and arresting several participants. The crackdown sparked widespread outrage over the violations committed against a peaceful event that focused on demands related to electricity, water, salaries, and human rights.
In a strongly worded statement, the Coordinating Body condemned what it described as “direct repression” against the demonstrators, calling it a flagrant violation of the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression, both of which are guaranteed by the constitution, local laws, and international conventions.
The statement also criticized what it described as a “double standard in dealing with public events,” pointing out that the de facto authorities allowed the STC to hold a gathering at Al-Orroodh Square in Khormaksar without restrictions, while violently suppressing the Coordinating Body’s protest.
The Coordinating Body demanded an immediate and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the assault and arrests, and called for those responsible for the use of force against protesters to be held accountable. It affirmed that “repression will not intimidate the free, nor silence the voice of the people demanding rights and justice,” and pledged to continue its peaceful approach until the legitimate demands are met and injustice is lifted from the citizens.
