Yemeni lawyers demand adherence to human rights [Archives:2007/1056/Local News]
SANA'A, June 2 ) A seminar was held discussing the legal framework and legal measures in place in the policing and justice system in Yemen on the 30th and 31st of May 2007. The seminar was organized by the Yemeni lawyers syndicate and included the discussion of very important topics, related mainly to the violations in human rights which take place in Yemeni police stations, courts, and prisons.
The seminar has concluded with a number of recommendations for policy makers, including an appeal to the President and the prime minister in order to oblige officials in the ministry of interior and other security agencies to respect and apply the legal articles related to personal liberties and human rights, and never use aggression or battery whether during arresting, imprisonment, inspecting, or wiretapping.
The syndicate also called for sending any suspects who are in prison to court within 24 hours from being arrested. The seminar has also appealed to the chairman of the supreme judicial council and the Attorney-General to oblige the judges and chairmen of the general prosecution to respect convicts' rights by proving their acquittal of charges including their right to bring defendants.
According to sources at the Syndicate, the authorities must also abide by the articles stipulated in the law regarding precautionary imprisonment and relevant legal measures. Judges should not have the authority to personally intervene in the proceeding of legal affairs, except for special circumstances as indicated in the law.
Additionally, the Syndicate called on the authorities to immediately release the prisoners restricted unlawfully. The seminar also recommended closing any prison illegally constructed and compelling the courts' judges to refrain from illegal practices and to hold cases to verify. Finally, the seminar participants recommended several amendments to avoid violating the human rights and freedoms guaranteed by constitution.
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