Barran Press
Police in Aden, Yemen's provisional capital, announced Thursday the suspension and investigation of officers, including the director of Dar Saad police, following the raid on a mosque in the Mansoura district. The action comes amid widespread condemnation after armed individuals, identified as affiliates of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), stormed the Omar Bin Al-Khattab Mosque and arrested its imam, Sheikh Mohammed Al-Kazemi, after dawn prayers.
In a press release reviewed by Barren Press, Aden police stated they are "closely monitoring what has been raised in the media and on social media platforms regarding the incident." The statement underscored the profound religious significance of mosques, asserting that these "houses of God... must remain platforms for moderate religious guidance and be under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Endowments and relevant authorities."
Investigation Launched
Responding to directives from Presidential Leadership Council member Abu Zara'a Al-Mahrami and Aden Governor Ahmed Lamlas, who also heads the security committee, police swiftly moved to summon, detain, and refer for investigation the Dar Saad police director and other personnel implicated. The police emphasized that "respect for the sanctity of mosques is an issue that cannot be overlooked or transgressed under any circumstances," vowing zero tolerance for "any violation that breaches the law or infringes upon the sanctity of places of worship." They also warned against "incitement or the exploitation of religious platforms to spread messages contrary to law and order," asserting that such actions would be addressed within legal frameworks.
Earlier on Thursday, armed individuals, reportedly linked to Dar Saad police director Musleh Al-Dharhani, stormed Omar Bin Al-Khattab Mosque in the Martyrs' Square neighborhood. Eyewitnesses and circulated footage depicted armed individuals, some in civilian clothes and others in military attire, assaulting Sheikh Al-Kazemi and forcibly removing him, causing panic among worshippers, including children.
Sheikh Al-Kazemi was later released. In a post-release statement, he decried the incident as "regrettable and unacceptable, even by the law of the jungle," stressing that "what happened today in the mosque is not befitting the sanctity of the houses of God, nor the status of imams and scholars." He expressed relief that "there are still those in this country who advocate for justice and love good."
Al-Kazemi confirmed that the alleged perpetrators have been apprehended and imprisoned, pending accountability. He underscored that the event should serve as a stark warning: "infringing upon the sanctity of mosques will not be overlooked, but will be met with firmness and a just stance."