Yemen Monitor/Newsroom:
The Southern Transitional Council (STC) mobilized tens of its supporters to demonstrate against the Yemeni government, in which the STC itself participates, due to the deteriorating living conditions. This comes at a time when residents accuse the STC of exploiting their suffering.
During the protest, demonstrators chanted slogans such as “Our salaries are a red line” and “No government from now on.” Protesters complained about the “skyrocketing” prices of basic commodities, as well as electricity and water cuts, which have significantly worsened their living conditions.
The protesters demanded “the fight against rampant corruption in state institutions,” considering it a “primary cause of the deteriorating economic conditions.”
In a statement, the protesters affirmed the need to restore looted national rights and wealth, and to restructure salaries, pledging to continue the peaceful escalation until their demands are met.
The protesters held the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council responsible for the economic deterioration the country is witnessing and demanded that it be accountable and “bear the consequences of its failure before the people.”
It’s noteworthy that the STC’s top leadership is part of the Presidential Leadership Council, yet they have incited their supporters to demonstrate against it and hold it responsible for the deterioration of services.
In a related incident, a brutal assault targeted Mr. Abdul Qadir, a resident of Al-Hawtah in Lahj Governorate, at the hands of elements of the STC forces.
According to eyewitnesses, Mr. Abdul Qadir was assaulted when he spoke about his suffering from hunger and demanded his salary.
Activists said that the STC called on forces to demonstrate against corruption, but when Mr. Abdul Qadir spoke about the people’s hunger and the corruption he faces, he was assaulted, beaten, and humiliated by STC forces.
Observers believe that the incident of assaulting the teacher who complained about hunger confirms the reality of the STC exploiting people’s demands and suffering in Aden.
Many official and popular figures have strongly condemned this assault, calling on the relevant authorities to open an urgent investigation and hold the perpetrators accountable to ensure that such incidents, which threaten social peace and tarnish the city’s image, are not repeated.
The incident sparked a wave of anger on social media platforms, with activists expressing their solidarity with Mr. Abdul Qadir and calling for the provision of necessary protection for citizens and the accountability of the perpetrators.
