Originally published on August 14, 2014, at ForceChange.com

Target: Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, President of Yemen

Goal: Prosecute security officials guilty of torture, unlawful killings, and other human rights abuses

The government of Yemen has become complicit with human rights abuses taking place by law enforcement officials. Ignoring reports of arbitrary arrests, torture, and illegal executions, the government of Yemen refuses to investigate the perpetrators of these crimes. Such widespread corruption will only lead to further abuses if nobody takes action now.

Numerous reports exist documenting security forces committing unlawful killings. Government forces often utilize excessive force when dealing with protests or demonstrations. Innocent civilian bystanders have been killed as security forces attempt to suppress free speech.

Politically motivated disappearances of people associated with NGOs and media outlets are a normal occurrence. Although torture is illegal, arrested suspects often arrive at the jail with multiple wounds. Confessions are forced by threatening to imprison or kill the suspect’s family.

In April, police arrested a nine-year-old for shoplifting. They tortured him at the police station for five days before releasing him. Human Rights Watch reported six juvenile offenders had been detained and tortured by the police. A cab driver named Ibrahim Ali Nassan al-Sanbare was held 14 days without charge shackled and beaten to the point of breaking his arm. He never received medical attention during his incarceration.

By signing the petition below you will help urge the President of Yemen, Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, to investigate this police corruption and prevent any more unlawful deaths.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi,

By refusing to actively prosecute security officials committing torture and unlawful executions against your own people, you are silently condoning their actions. Human rights abuses are being committed against your citizens with absolutely no repercussions for the perpetrators of these vile acts. Investigate these criminals abusing their authority and torturing your people.

Multiple reports of police officials abusing children exist. Juvenile offenders are often imprisoned along with adult convicts instead of segregating the kids for their own safety. Suspects are regularly beaten during their arrests and detained alongside the general population during their pre-trail period.

Stop the arbitrary arrests and illegal executions taking place in your country immediately. Reform your law enforcement institutions and investigate human rights abuses against your citizenry. Your people deserve better than corrupt cops who believe they are above the law.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo credit: Ibrahem Qasim via Wikimedia Commons