Geneva – SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties stated that the decision by the Security Committee in the capital, Aden, to ban demonstrations and mass gatherings constitutes a clear and blatant violation of the right to peaceful assembly, as guaranteed under international human rights law.

The organization pointed out that armed elements affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council fired into the air to disperse protesters—an alarming and dangerous act that reflects a repressive approach, threatening the safety of citizens and undermining the peaceful means of expressing opinion.

SAM affirmed that the right to peaceful assembly is explicitly enshrined in Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which states: “The right of peaceful assembly shall be recognized,” and that no restrictions may be placed on this right other than those “imposed in conformity with the law and which are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security or public safety, public order, the protection of public health or morals or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.”

The organization stressed that invoking “public interest” or “preventing chaos” by the Security Committee does not justify imposing a blanket ban on demonstrations—especially in the absence of any concrete evidence of an imminent threat or serious danger—asserting that such decisions represent excessive preemptive measures that undermine citizens’ freedom of expression.

It noted that the practices witnessed in Aden, particularly the use of force to disperse peaceful protesters, are inconsistent with Yemen’s obligations under international law, which places a duty on authorities to respect and protect this right, not suppress it.

SAM further stated that the resort to a total ban on protests could be interpreted as an attempt to silence critical voices, and it poses a greater threat to social peace than the protests themselves. The organization called on the authorities in Aden to reverse the ban and to provide a safe and conducive environment for the exercise of the right to peaceful expression.

The organization affirmed that the most effective way to preserve security and stability is through the respect of human rights—not through their restriction or suppression—emphasizing that the protection of public freedoms does not contradict the maintenance of public order but rather reinforces it.

SAM called for an independent and transparent investigation into the incident involving armed elements firing at protesters, and for those responsible for any violations or excessive use of force to be held accountable, in order to prevent the recurrence of such abuses and to ensure respect for the law and the dignity of citizens.