Protesters begin indefinite sit-ins throughout Yemen

[News_Editor]

Protesters begin indefinite sit-ins throughout Yemen

2011-02-21 05:03:22 GMT+7 (ICT)

SANAA (BNO NEWS) -- Tens of thousands of people started on Sunday indefinite sit-ins in several provinces in Yemen as the opposition joins the popular protests, the Yemen Post reported.

The sit-ins will take place in several provinces including the capital, Taiz, Ibb and Aden. In Sana'a, thousands of people, mostly college students, have vowed to start a sit-in at Sana'a University and not to leave their place until the government is ousted.

"Our corrupt regime is hiring bullies and paying them everyday to attack us with batons, rocks and sometimes they shoot us, but all this regime is taking does not work……we are very determined: the regime must be out or we die for the sake of liberation," 27-year old Eisa Al-Sanawi said, as cited by the newspaper.

In Taiz, Aden, Ibb and other cities, thousands are camping at areas some of which are now called Tahrir Square as the ruling party is continuing the occupation of Tahrir Squares in Sana'a and Taiz to prevent Egypt-like protests.

Yemen has been witnessing demonstrations since Tunisian ousted president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali escaped to Saudi Arabia and they have gathered momentum with the success of Egypt's revolution.

Saleh on Sunday renewed his call for the opposition to resume dialogue amid civil unrest throughout the country, the Yemen Post reported.

"Dialogue is the best means, not sabotage or cutting off roads," Saleh said in a meeting with his supporters.


"I am ready to sit on the negotiating table and meet their demands if they are legitimate," he added.

Earlier Sunday, one police officer was killed and other six policemen were wounded in clashes in the southern city port of Aden. Six soldiers and several anti-government protesters were injured in the clashes that took place in Khour Maksar district.

Protesters, mostly young, are fighting against soaring unemployment rates, poverty, widespread corruption and patronage.

President Saleh, who has been in power since 1978, pledged earlier this month not to seek his reelection in 2013 or hand over power to his son.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-02-21