A human rights organization has sharply criticized a decision by Aden's security committee to ban protests, arguing that the move to silence dissent poses a greater risk to social cohesion than the demonstrations themselves.
 
SAM for Rights and Liberties, in a statement released today, asserted that the security committee's cited concerns for "public interest" and preventing chaos fail to justify a blanket prohibition on public assemblies, particularly in the absence of clear evidence indicating an imminent or significant threat.
The organization underscored that genuine security and stability are best achieved through upholding human rights, not by curtailing or suppressing them. SAM maintained that the protection of public freedoms is not at odds with maintaining order but, in fact, reinforces it.
The rights group declared that the ban on protests and public gatherings in Aden constitutes a clear infringement on the right to peaceful assembly, a right enshrined in international human rights law. It further characterized the measure as an overly preemptive action that erodes citizens' freedom of expression.

SAM also drew attention to the dangerous actions of armed elements reportedly affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council (STC), who allegedly fired shots into the air to disperse demonstrators in Aden. This behavior, the organization stated, signals a worrying trend of repression that jeopardizes public safety and undermines the peaceful expression of opinion.
The organization insisted that the use of force to break up peaceful protests in Aden is inconsistent with Yemen's obligations under international law, which mandates that authorities respect and safeguard this fundamental right, not suppress it.

SAM demanded an impartial and transparent investigation into the alleged shooting incident by armed elements against protesters. It called for accountability for any abuses or excessive use of force to prevent future violations and ensure respect for the law and citizens' dignity.
The ban follows a day of angry protests in Aden on Saturday, May 17th, fueled by the ongoing collapse of essential services, most notably electricity, which has left residents without power for over 20 hours daily.

Demonstrators directed their anger at the Yemeni government, holding it responsible for the widespread failures. Others criticized the STC, the dominant security and administrative force in Aden and a partner in the coalition government.
According to a "Bran Press" correspondent, gunfire was heard in Al-Arood Square as STC-affiliated gunmen reportedly prevented protesters from leaving the designated area and actively dispersed the gathering.
In the aftermath, the Aden Security Committee announced an immediate prohibition on all protests and public gatherings until it could ensure conditions for their peaceful conduct and organizers' adherence to legal regulations.

In a statement obtained by "Bran Press," the committee claimed to have previously provided necessary support for demonstrations in the city, secured assembly points, and offered impartial protection to participants.
However, the committee alleged that "infiltrators" within the protest ranks attempted to directly attack security personnel and law enforcement, incite riots, and block roads. These actions, the committee asserted, were outside the bounds of peaceful assembly and aimed at disrupting security and exploiting freedoms for purposes contrary to civic values and public order.

The committee insisted that these unacceptable behaviors pose a direct threat to public safety and the city's stability, serving only "destructive agendas" seeking to undermine social peace and security efforts.
The committee vowed to continue its duties professionally and stated it would not tolerate any attempts to destabilize security under any pretext. It urged cooperation with security forces and the reporting of any suspicious individuals to safeguard the capital's security and stability and thwart attempts to spread chaos.

Aden has been gripped by angry protests since the previous Saturday, including demonstrations by women. Civil society activists organized a women's protest in Al-Arood Square in the Khor Maksar district under the banner "Women's Revolution" to condemn the deteriorating economic and living conditions, the decline in basic services, and prolonged electricity outages.
The city of Aden, under the administrative and security control of the STC, is currently facing a severe and unprecedented crisis in electricity services due to a shortage of fuel for power plants, leaving residents with only around four hours of power per day.