Two Al Houthi supporters sentenced to death, 9 jailed

By Nasser Arrabyee/17/10/2009


Two Al Houthi supporters were sentenced to death and 9 others were sentenced to 8-12 years in prison for fighting with Al Houth rebels last year.

Chaired by Judge Redhwan Al Namer, the special State Security Court issued Saturday the death sentence against Abdul Qader Abu Taleb, and Hussein Al Kebsi.

From behind the bars, the defendants were shouting "Death to America, death to Israel, curse to Jews and victory to Islam" , which is the slogan of Al Houthi armed rebellion. They did not ask for an appeal because they did not recognize legitimacy of the court.

The 11 defendants were convicted of forming an armed gang and carrying out sabotage acts and killing soldiers and citizens.

They are among about 150 Al Houthi rebels still being tried now for igniting an armed rebellion against the State in the middle of 2008 in the northern outskirt of the capital Sana'a, Bani Hushaish.

The same court was supposed to start today Saturday a trial of for 9 Al Houthi rebels from a group of more 40 who were brought last week from Sa'ada for trial on charges of sabotage acts. The session of the new 9 rebels was not held maybe because of so many cases being looked by the court.

Meanwhile, 7 Al Qaeda suspects were put on trial Saturday before the same court for charges of forming an armed gang to target government and western interests in Yemen.

The defendant denied the charges and session was adjourned until next Saturday.