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45 killed after Yemen protesters fired upon
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March 19, 2011
Original URL: http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/45_killed_after_Yemen_protesters_fired_upon



45 people have been killed in Yemen after gunmen fired on protesters in
the city of . Several hundred more were injured. 

The origins of the gunmen are not known for certain, but it is believed
that both government security forces and civilian supporters of the
government are responsible.

The shootings occurred shortly after midday prayers when protesters
began moving towards a burning car. According to witnesses, several
warning shots were fired by security forces before they fired on
protesters, soon joined by gunmen on the tops of buildings. 

President , however, has denied that the government is responsible for
the deaths. He said that "[w]hat happened today was very regrettable,
the death of our children." He also ordered a state of emergency, which
would ban civilians from bearing weapons, to be declared.

One opposition leader termed the incident a "massacre," and called it
"part of a criminal plan to kill off the protesters, and the president
and his relatives are responsible for the bloodshed in Yemen today."
Another said the events have caused there to be "no longer any
possibility of mutual understanding" between the opposition and
government.

Tourism Minister  resigned in protest after the killings. Another
prominent ruling-party member, Mohammed al-Qadhi, said "[w]e condemn
these crimes against humanity." He had already resigned last week. "Even
if it's plainclothes men firing on the protesters it is still the
government's responsibility to protect them."

== Sources == 

*  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12783585
*  http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/18/yemen-police-massacre-45-protesters



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