Yemen’s southern region of Abyan experienced a “human rights catastrophe” during 2011 and the first half of 2012 as government forces and members of an Al-Qa’ida affiliate group fought for control, according to human rights group Amnesty International.
The organisation has released a report which documents violations of the rules of war committed by both Yemeni Government forces and the Islamist armed group Ansar al-Shari’a including summary public killings, crucifixions, amputations and floggings.
Philip Luther, Amnesty’s director for the Middle East and Africa, says the Yemeni Government must ensure a commission of inquiry announced in September covers the abuses.
“The tragedy of Abyan will haunt Yemen for decades to come unless those responsible are held to account and victims and their families receive reparations,” he says.
Ansar al-Shari’a controlled most towns in the governate of Abyan during mid-2011 after seizing them from the government and during its rule was responsible for the establishment of ‘religious courts’ which Amnesty says frequently imposed cruel, inhuman and degrading punishments on alleged criminals, suspected spies and people who transgressed cultural norms.
