Barran Press
Amjad Khaled, the former commander of the Yemeni Army's General Transport Brigade, has rejected the death sentence issued against him by the Special Criminal Court in Aden, calling it a politically motivated move by the Southern Transitional Council (STC).
In a video statement released on Wednesday, May 29, Khaled described the court as a "transitional" body, highlighting its close ties to the STC. He accused the council of systematically eliminating political opponents through various means, including assassinations and kidnappings.
"This is not new," Khaled stated In a video statement released on Wednesday, May 29, seen by "Baran Press", referring to the STC's alleged tactics. "They want to show themselves as having statesmen, and that they are working to appropriate judicial rulings against their political opponents."
Khaled condemned the court's verdict, claiming it had "nothing to do with justice." He demanded the formation of an impartial investigation committee or a fair trial where he could present a proper defense.
He also alleged that lawyers representing him and other defendants had been threatened and intimidated by the STC, citing the recent arrest of one of his legal counsel, Sami Yassin.
Despite the death sentence, Khaled vowed to continue his fight against the STC, which he labeled a "racist gang" ruling Aden. He expressed solidarity with those who oppose the council's policies, particularly in the regions of Dhalea and Yafa'a.
He also directed a pointed message to Aidarous al-Zubaidi, the president of the STC, stating, "If you think that such matters will discourage the people of Aden from fighting injustice, then you are delusional."
Khaled accused al-Zubaidi of using oppressive and tyrannical policies to maintain control, and he likened the STC's eventual departure from power to the hasty withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan.
"Aidaroos knows the amount of injustice and oppression inflicted on the people of Aden and the southern governorates," Khaled said. "The method of liberation that will be directed against the STC will be the exit of the ‘way out,’ as he put it."
Khaled's defiance of the death sentence and his accusations against the STC are likely to further escalate tensions in southern Yemen. The case has drawn international attention, with many questioning the fairness of the trial and the motivations behind the charges against Khaled.