As accused go into hunger strikePenal court postpones Alhothi cell case [Archives:2005/895/Front Page]
BY HASSAN ALZAIDI
YEMEN TIMES STAFF
SANA'A – Nov. 16 – The First Instance Court, for trying 63 of Alhothi followers held last Monday its first session since the presidential Amnesty. It refused the release request that was presented by suspects. The court supported its refusal by saying that, it did not receive any notification that the suspects are involved in this amnesty. It is worth mentioning that the suspects are accused of forming an armed band to assassinate some military leaders.
The court withdrew its former decision to summon suspect number 35 of Sana'a cell, Intisar alsiani.
Judge Najeeb Algdiri drove suspects Mohamed Altharihi and Mohamed Al-akhfash out of the court room because they disturbed the session by shouting Hothi slogans, protesting that they were put in solitary cells because of the presidential amnesty.
The suspects refused cooperation with the court, alleging that it is illegal. Suspects Mohamed and Fuad Al-imad were brought into the court room and the prosecutor read their confessions, which included conspiring to assassinate the commander of the North West Brigade, Ali Muhsin Al-ahmar. Their lawyer requested the prosecution to present the legal evidences against them.
The court ordered the prosecution to present a reply on the suspects' claims that they were included by the presidential amnesty.
The suspects' lawyer also claimed that the court procedures are illegal because they contradict the presidential amnesty. The lawyers also requested the court to oblige the prosecution to bring the evidences that it depended on to convict their clients. The court postponed till next Monday.
On the other hand local sources in Saada said that there were armed confrontations in Bani Mu'ath area in Sahar district. They took place between the followers of Sheikh Yahia Ja'afar and Alhothi followers. 'Al-sahwa net' said according to local sources that, three unidentified persons died in these confrontations. A military campaign of armed vehicles moved last Monday to chase some of Alhothi followers.
In a related issue, 15 of prisoners in Alhothi case continued their hunger strike, in remonstration of not being released according to the presidential amnesty, and for maltreatment.
Close sources said that Mohamed Bdredeen Alhothi had declared hunger strike in his prison.Sources also said that Dr, Al- Hamran is in a confinement cell in the Security prison.
On the other hand MP Yahia Badredeen Alhothi declared his resignation from the People General Congress Party. He preferred to stay abroad , saying that he will convey the truth about Saada events to the people who used to know it from the official media sources.
He confirmed that his father is in good health, adding that he was frustrated, when he knew that the presidential Amnesty was only a propaganda, because of the European Committee that met in Sana'a last September.
Alhothi case is still presenting a headache for the authorities , as his detained followers refused to sign pledges of not shouting his slogans and not to stir unrest, in return for their release. This led to their release delay according to the prsedential pardon.
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