DUBAI: Women in Yemen set file to veils on Wednesday in protest to the continued violent crackdown on protesters by the government of President Ali Abdallah Saleh. The symbolic burning of the veil was praised by a number of women's activists in the country who said it was a “brave act that delivers a unifying mesage.” Omnia Tharwat, a 33-year-old woman who joined the protest, told Bikyamasr.com via telephone that the move was to “show the government we will not stand by and allow our people to be killed.” The burning was also a plea to local Bedouin tribesmen to come to the aid of the people. The protest in the capital Sana'a came as clashes intensifid between forces loyal to Saleh and fighters who have sided with the opposition in demands that the president step down. Medical and local officials say up to 25 civilians, tribal fighters and government soldiers died overnight in Sanaa and the city of Taiz despite Saleh's ceasefire announcement late Tuesday. Saleh has clung to power in the face of more than eight months of massive protests against his rule. Women in Yemen have felt the pinch as a result of the uprising and continued to be a major part of the demonstrations calling for an end to Saleh's rule. “We are not going anywhere and this is our country and we will have it back soon,” added Tharwat. BM
