Sana'a: Demonstrations erupted across several districts in the Taiz governorate, as residents denounced the execution of Colonel 'Isa Al-'Afiri by Al-Islah party militias following an unlawful trial. The districts of Maqbanah, Shar'ab Al-Rawna, Shar'ab Al-Salam, Al-Salw, and Sabr Al-Mawadim witnessed significant protest sit-ins. These gatherings included local leaders, social figures, military and security officials, and residents, all expressing their anger and condemnation of the execution, which they viewed as a blatant violation of customs and international and humanitarian laws.
According to Yemen News Agency, the protesters argued that the execution of Al-'Afiri is part of a broader pattern of crimes and violations committed by Al-Islah militias against prisoners and civilians in their controlled areas. Participants compared the militias' actions to those of the Zionist entity against Palestinian prisoners, suggesting that the brutality of Al-Islah surpasses even that.
The protesters claimed that the execution reflects a criminal mentality aligned with American and Israeli agendas against the Yemeni people. A statement from the gatherings condemned the execution, holding Al-Islah mercenaries and the Saudi regime responsible for the crime and its potential consequences on the issue of prisoners.
The statement urged a national stance to halt the crimes against prisoners, calling on international and humanitarian organizations to take action against these violations and ensure the perpetrators face justice. It emphasized that the crime would not be forgotten over time and accused the perpetrators of obstructing UN and local efforts to resolve the prisoners' situation.
The statement demanded the UN envoy address the unlawful trials and systematic torture occurring in Al-Islah-controlled prisons. It renewed calls for unity among Yemeni tribes, national figures, and the populace to confront these crimes, vowing that the blood of Al-'Afiri and other martyred prisoners would remain a pressing issue until justice is served.