Security forces fired live ammunition and tear gas at protesters in Yemen’s Change Square outside Sanaa University on Sunday, reported witnesses. According to reports, at least ten people were injured. Clashes began after pro-government protesters and security forces set up a road block that prevented anti-government protesters from breaching the square. Eventually the anti-government camp was able to make its way in, and that’s when security forces — many of whom were dressed in plain clothes — began firing on them. Anti-government protesters are angry with Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, whom they blame for crippling levels of unemployment and political corruption. For his part, Saleh has promised not to run for president in the next election and has pledged to bring a new constitution to a vote. But Human Rights Watch seriously questioned his commitment to peaceful transition after Sunday’s battle. “President Saleh has once again broken his promise to end attacks on peaceful protesters, and those who supply his government with weapons risk complicity in this bloodshed,” said Joe Stork, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at the organization.
Shooting, tear gas reported at Yemeni protest [CNN]
