Yemen forms panel on Al Qaida detainees

The Yemeni Parliament yesterday formed a fact-finding committee from among its members to look into the condition of Al Qaida detainees in Yemen, the official Yemeni News Agency reported.

The nine-member committee was formed following a request by some members of parliament.

The committee, at its first meeting chaired by Rajeh Hunaish chose Salem bin Taleh as its rapporteur, the agency added.

Meanwhile, the Non-Governmental National Organisation for Liberties and Rights issued a communique;, a copy of which was faxed to Gulf News, hailing the formation of the committee.

"Following a complaint to the Speaker and members of the parliament by the families and relatives of the detainees of the USS Cole attack and the September 11 attacks, the committee was formed," the communiqué said.

The complaint decried the prolonged detention of the suspects without being charged. Responding to the complaint, some 25 MPs requested the formation of a committee to look into the complaint.

The committee decided to meet with the families of the detainees today at the parliament headquarters.

Later, the committee will meet with Chairman of Political Security (Intelligence), Interior Minister, Foreign Minister, General Prosecutor, and Minister of Justice.