The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) came to an agreement that they would grant the President of Yemen, Ali Abdullah Saleh, immunity from being prosecuted. President Saleh has been in office for 33 years and has announced that he was going to resign many times only to change his mind. Amnesty International is not impressed with this decision because the President would not be held accountable for human rights violations. However, Yemen is responsible for investigating these human rights abuses and persecuting those involved due to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. The GCC decided to allow Saleh to stay in office for 90 days until the elections stay place. The President and vice-President, Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi, will share presidential powers.
Yemen is another country in the Arab World that is experiencing the Arab Spring. The situation happening in Yemen is similar to Syria. The population wants another ruler that has been power for decades out of office. However, the ruler does not want to leave. Violence is rampant in Yemen. Protesters are being murdered for speaking out against the Saleh regime. Yemen is also experiencing a pro-Shia Muslim movement. This has led to the deaths of many Sunni Muslims. Just recently, 24 people were murdered in a Sunni section of Yemen. Many human rights violations occurring in Yemen include: the right to life, religion, and expression. Many people in Yemen are losing their lives because of their values. They have a differing religion so they are murdered. They want a new government so they are murdered.
DO you think that President Saleh should be granted immunity from prosecution?
http://www.amnesty.org.uk/news_details.asp?NewsID=19825
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/27/world/meast/yemen-clashes/?hpt=hp_t2
Yes, I am sorry to say I believe President Saleh should be granted immunity. Although, Saleh is most likely guilty of numerous civil rights abuses, he should be granted immunity in the interests of the peaceful transition to a democratic process. Even though, Yemen is subject to a variety of factions and opposing political viewpoints, it is a right of the people to decide their own fate. If the removal of Saleh, under a veil of compromise, is going to guarentee the rights of the people, then we should consider this option. After all, isnt the most important goal being the removal of this dictator from power? If this can be achieved through immunity, than let it happen.
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