Barran Press
A human rights organization has sharply criticized the Southern Transitional Council (STC) for its "excessive violence" against peaceful female protesters in Aden. Sam Organization for Rights and Liberties stated on Sunday, May 25, that the assaults represent a "dangerous escalation and a flagrant violation of the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression."
According to Sam, STC forces used batons and confiscated phones to suppress women demonstrating for improved basic services, primarily electricity. The organization highlighted that such actions contradict national and international laws protecting demonstrators and are a "systematic pattern of repression."
Sam linked the violence to a recent STC security committee decision banning public gatherings, noting that the targeting of women specifically "exposes a lack of respect for human dignity."
The rights group called for the immediate release of detainees and accountability for those involved, urging the international community, particularly the UN Human Rights Commissioner, to intervene to protect civilians and prevent further abuses.
Local sources confirmed that female STC recruits forcibly dispersed the protesters, who were demanding better services and salaries. Aden has witnessed ongoing protests since May 10 due to severe service deterioration, with daily electricity outages exceeding 20 hours.
