Barran Press
The Southern Transitional Council (STC) has declared the kidnapping of Sheikh Ali Al-Ja'adani a "public issue" that cannot be delayed or postponed, demanding swift action to resolve the case. The council's statement came during a meeting of its leadership on Thursday, July 18, 2024, where the issue was discussed in detail.
The meeting saw a briefing on the case by Aden Governor and head of the security committee, Ahmed Lamlas, and Aden Security Director, Major General Mathar Al-Shu'aibi. The council's official website reported that the leadership reviewed the progress made by the security committee in investigating the case, including the collection of evidence and questioning of suspects. The council also noted that the case has been referred to the Public Prosecution for further investigation and legal action.
STC leadership member, Abdulnaser Al-Ja'ari, highlighted the results of meetings held by the council's follow-up committee with the governor of Abyan, military and security leaders in the province, and representatives of Al-Ja'adani's family. The meetings were aimed at ensuring that the investigation remains on a legal track.
The STC emphasized the importance of completing the necessary legal procedures by the Public Prosecution and swiftly referring the case to the competent court for a verdict. The council stressed that the case is a "public issue" that cannot be delayed or postponed.
The council also stated that Al-Ja'adani's family has thwarted attempts by those seeking to exploit the case to undermine national unity in the south and incite chaos in Aden.
The kidnapping of Sheikh Al-Ja'adani, a prominent figure in Abyan, has sparked widespread outrage and protests in Aden. On Tuesday, July 16, a protest demanding his release and the revelation of his whereabouts was met with heavy security measures by STC forces. The STC also prevented some individuals from Abyan from reaching the protest site in Aden.
On Tuesday, July 9, the Supreme Security Committee of the internationally recognized Yemeni government acknowledged the "crime of kidnapping" and issued arrest warrants for four suspects: Samih Aidrous Al-Norghi, Tamam Mohammed Ghaleb Hassan "Al-Batta," Bakil Mukhtar Mohammed Saad, and Mahmoud Othman Saeed Al-Hindi.
The committee also suspended the commander of the Counterterrorism Forces in Aden, Yisran Al-Maqtri, and referred him for investigation. The suspects were handed over to Aden security authorities, and a joint investigation committee was formed, including members from Aden security, Abyan security, criminal investigation, the security belt, intelligence, and counterterrorism.
The committee also decided to apprehend anyone suspected of involvement in crimes and to track down those who have fled justice. The Public Prosecution was tasked with overseeing the investigations and ensuring the swift completion of procedures and referral to the judicial authorities.
Prior to these developments, tribes in Abyan, Al-Ja'adani's home province, had given security forces in Aden a deadline to reveal his whereabouts and apprehend the kidnappers.
On June 28, Abyan tribes held a consultative meeting in Aden to discuss the disappearance of Al-Ja'adani, who was abducted on June 12. They threatened to escalate their actions if he was not released unharmed. They also called on the Presidential Leadership Council, the unity government, the STC, and the Arab coalition leadership to intervene immediately to disclose Al-Ja'adani's location and secure his release.
The tribes claim that Al-Ja'adani was kidnapped in Aden on June 12 and his whereabouts remain unknown, while security forces have not taken any action to find him.
On July 2, military, security, and local authorities in Abyan announced their support for the tribes' escalating actions to demand the release of Al-Ja'adani, who has been missing in Aden since June 12.