Geneva – SAM for Rights and Liberties stated that it is following with deep concern the shooting incidents that targeted protesters during popular demonstrations demanding improvements in electricity services and other basic public services in both Aden and Hadramawt, resulting in civilian casualties.
The organization explained that a video published by the “Sons of Aden Platform” shows the moment 28-year-old Naseem Abdullah Al-Yafaei was directly shot during protests in the Al-Safina Roundabout area of Dar Saad District in Aden. The footage shows him collapsing to the ground after sustaining a gunshot wound to the head before being transferred to Aden German Hospital. According to the published information, he remains in intensive care in critical condition.
SAM also expressed grave concern over reports from the city of Seiyun in Hadramawt Governorate indicating that Manaf Basabaeen was killed and another individual injured by gunfire from military forces while they were dispersing public protests demanding improvements in basic services and solutions to the ongoing electricity crisis. According to available information, both individuals were wounded during the intervention by security forces to disperse demonstrators. Manaf Basabaeen later succumbed to his injuries, while the other injured person continues to receive medical treatment.
SAM stressed that the use of excessive force and live ammunition against protesters constitutes a serious violation of the international standards governing law enforcement operations, which require authorities to respect the principles of necessity and proportionality and to protect the rights to life and physical integrity. The organization further emphasized that the use of lethal force to disperse civilian protests can only be justified under the most exceptional circumstances permitted by international law.
The organization called on the relevant authorities to conduct prompt, independent, and transparent investigations into all shooting incidents associated with the protests in Aden and Seiyun, disclose the findings to the public, identify those responsible, and hold all perpetrators accountable in a manner that ensures an end to impunity and provides justice for the victims and their families.
SAM also urged the authorities to ensure adequate medical care for the injured, protect citizens’ right to peaceful assembly and to express their legitimate demands, refrain from using force against civilians, and take effective measures to prevent the recurrence of such violations.