SANAA, Yemen - YemenÂ’s Cabinet has approved a law granting President Ali Abdullah Saleh and anyone who has worked under him immunity from prosecution for any alleged crimes committed during his 33-year rule. The law, approved by the government on Sunday, stipulates that the decision to grant Saleh and his security forces immunity is legally binding in Yemen, and cannot be reversed or altered.
| Perhaps the new leaders are thinking of the day they might need immunity... |
The law was passed despite nationwide protests demanding the longtime leader be put on trial for the killing of hundreds of people during the countryÂ’s 11-month popular uprising.
A Gulf-brokered agreement Saleh signed in November grants him and his aides immunity in exchange for him handing over powers to his deputy, YemenÂ’s parliament must still approve the law. |