December 10, 2007
After Interview with Me, Yemen Revokes MP Hashid's Immunity
The Yemen Times, SANA’A, Dec. 8 — Last week, the Yemeni Parliament agreed to rescind Parliament member (MP) Ahmed Saif Hashid’s immunity, claiming that Hashid paid visits to prisons and revealed illegal actions that go against the constitution, Yemeni laws and international conventions.
Previous activities made by Hashid resulted in his arrest in the political security prison, followed by imprisonment under the Immigration and Passports Authority. Hashid's chauffeur was also killed in the street, with his camera and cell phone confiscated. Referring to these incidents, Hashid asked, "What kind of immunity are they talking about?"
Many MPs affiliated with the ruling party (GPC) demanded last week to rescind Hashid's immunity. The parliament agreed to do so. Hashid considered the revoking of his immunity by Parliament an action targeting him and his human rights activities.
Jane Novak, an American researcher, interviewed Hashid, addressing issues related to human rights, freedom, prisons, and inmates in Yemen. The interview was downloaded onto many news websites, enraging a lot of people.
You would think Parliament would be enraged by the torture of Yemeni children in jail, not by the guy who is trying to save them.
I don't know what we can do for Mr. Hashid, other than give another round of publicity to the information on the prisons. He is paying the price for getting this testimony to the outside world. This retribution was predictable. So if anyone has a blog and is looking do a good deed, link the posts below the fold please. We here at Jawa will keep you updated on what happens next, probably some bogus charges and a sham trial.
The Banned in Yemen tee shirts say "Ali Saleh is Afraid of a Blog", but really they are afraid of the truth.
Update: Apparently, Hashid has not discontinued his advocacy for children in prison.
The interview:
Prisons in Yemen: Torture by Acid and Electricity, Children Housed with Adults, Hostages, Political Prisoners, No Food for Some
The testimony:
Witness Testimony From the Dungeons of Yemeni Prisons
