SANA'A: Ahmed Mohamed al-Amrani was killed Saturday morning near his house in Sana'a, the Yemeni capital. According to eyewitnesses, a group of unknown gunmen appeared from nowhere, shooting Amrani before disappearing. Al-Amrani was the father of Musa Ahmed al-Amrani, a journalist and human right activists working for HOOD, Yemen's most prominent human rights organization. After the shoot-out, Amrani was immediately taken to the hospital but despite everybody's best efforts he sadly passed away, leaving behind a distraught family. Although no conclusive findings could be made, Al-Amrani relatives are convinced that President Ali Abdullah Saleh's men are behind it as Musa al-Amrani has long been voicing his opposition, criticizing the regime for its disregard towards human life and its many infractions to human rights. HOOD issued a statement condemning the attack and demanding that an investigation be opened to arrest those responsible. This latest act of violence is once again raising the matter of freedom of expression in Yemen as journalists and activists continue to be targeted by the regime. Some politicians have argued that it was further proof that Saleh and his coterie had despite signing a power-transfer deal in Riyadh 10 days ago, no intention of really leaving power. “His [Saleh] shadow is everywhere, his sons, nephews and loyalists are still in the government…How can we move forward?” asked a member of HOOD. BM
