254 rioters released [Archives:2005/881/Front Page]

Hassan Al-Zaidi
SANA'A- Sept. 27- The authorities announced the release of 254 of 1500 people who have been detained for their involvement in the rioting that took place last July in Sana'a and other main cities. The rioting occurred after a government decision to lift a petroleum subsidy sent shock waves through the market and caused 200% inflation overnight.

The detainees were released under a Presidential amnesty, which was issued on the 43 anniversary of the 26 September Revolution.

The Yemeni Interior Ministry confirmed that around 1500 people, including teenagers who were freed under previous presidential amnesties, have been imprisoned over their involvement in the riots.

According to Interior Ministry's figures, 2245 people were landed in prisons, 735 in the capital, 35 in the Sana'a Governorate, 294 in Aden, 17 in Taiz, 42 in Lahj, 235 in Hodeida, 27 in Abyan, 228 in Ibb, 176 in Shabwah, 16 in Hadramout, 96 in Dhamar, 38 in Marib, 28 in Sa'ada, 54 in Amran and 198 in al-Dhal'e.

445 people from different governorates were referred to courts to stand trials while another 406 were not but have been investigated until they were freed under the presidential amnesty.

The Prosecution announced on Tuesday the release of 254 detainees, 170 of whom were imprisoned in Sana'a, 28 in Aden, 23 in Hodeida, 14 in Amran, 11 in Ibb, 28 in Abyan and 7 in Dhamar. The total number included detainees who were referred to the courts.

The riots over lifting fuel subsidy led to the killing of 12 people, including troops and innocent children and the injury of some 422, while other reports indicate that 31 were killed and 681 wounded in the simultaneous riots that took place in different Yemeni cities.
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