Sons of Yemeni Speaker arrested

The press office of Yemeni Parliament Speaker, Sheikh Abdullah bin Hussein Al Ahmer, has confirmed that two of his sons are in custody for the shoot-out which took place near the British Embassy last Sunday.

"Sheikh Abdullah regrets for what was circulated by media about the incident. Fallasies, exaggerations and lies have been circulated by some sick people," said a press release issued by the office.

It accused the Ministry of Interior for showing prejudice on the issue to draw the attention of media before investigations of the general prosecution had concluded.

Meanwhile, a source close to the Speaker expressed surprise over thr accusations before the results of probe were made known.

Regarding the prosecution's interrogation with Sheikh's sons, the source said: "The prosecution started investigations after Sheikh himself, who is well known for his keenness on maintaining law and order, asked for that for the sake of revealing facts and knowing who started shooting. What happened was foolish, reckless, and a lightheaded act."

The source made it clear that the orders to keep Sheikh Al Ahmer's sons in custody followed a directive from President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who quickly and wisely intervened in the matter to stop bloodshed.

The ministry must shoulder its responsibility and perform its duties properly. It should be the safety valve and not a troublemaker which deals randomly and off-handedly, the source said.

"The confrontation between the securitymen and the bodyguards of Al Ahmer's sons reflect the helplessness of the ministry of interior."

The general prosecution started investigations with four of the Sheikh's sons last Monday. They have been accused of assaulting securitymen and undermining public peace.