Yemen is to see a battle of demonstrations on Friday, two days after government security killed two protesters in the country. It is expected that thousands of pro-government supporters in favor of Ali Abdullah Saleh and anti-government protesters will head out in the capital Sanaa following Friday prayers to show their strength. Government supporters are planning to mass in Tahrir Square, the same place where they have held rallies over the past few weeks. “We are gathering in support of President Saleh's initiative and to show the international community that we are with Saleh and that the opposition does not control the streets,” said Mohammed Maueri, the spokesman for the interior ministry, in a statement. Meanwhile, those calling for Yemeni President to step down will hold their demonstration outside the gates of Sanaa University. One person was killed and at least twelve injured in continuing violence in Sanaa, Yemen's capital, on Wednesday, according to medics. A local human rights group said the numbers were higher – two killed and 18 hurt – in the area around Sanaa University, where the anti-government demonstrators have dug in. Seven legislators belonging to President Ali Abdullah Saleh's ruling party resigned over the situation in the country, saying they will form their own independent bloc. Two other legislators resigned earlier this month, making nine resignations since demonstrations began in Yemen. Saleh, who has been in power for 32 years, had said he will step down in 2013 after national elections are held. Thousands of demonstrators in the streets, however, demand that he leaves now. The demonstrations in Yemen were strongly inspired by successful uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia, where long-time authoritarian leaders were forced to resign by massive protests and public unrest. Pro-government forces wielding clubs on Tuesday failed to dislodge demonstrators camped out in a square near Sanaa University, and thousands more came out to support the anti-government demonstrators on Wednesday. Demonstrations have been taking place elsewhere in the country as well, including the port city of al-Mukalla, where medical officials say a 16-year-old boy was seriously injured when a tear gas canister struck him in the face, and the port city of Aden, where a 19-year-old died of his injuries on Wednesday. BM
