PUBLIC AI Index: MDE 31/024/2007

31 October 2007

Further Information on UA 231/07 (MDE 31/016/2007, 31 August 2007) Death penalty/imminent execution

YEMEN Adib Mohamed ‘Ali al-Maqtari (m)

Adib Mohamed ‘Ali al-Maqtari is now said to be scheduled for execution on 7 November.

He was sentenced to death in 2003, for murder. His appeals were rejected by the Court of Appeal in Ta’iz in August 2005 and the Supreme Court in 2007, and his death sentence was ratified by the President.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Amnesty International has longstanding concerns about the use of the death penalty in Yemen, particularly as death sentences are often passed after proceedings which fall short of international standards for fair trial.

Amnesty International recognizes the right and responsibility of governments to bring to justice those suspected of recognizably criminal offences, but is unconditionally opposed to the death penalty in all cases as the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, and violation of the right to life.

RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send appeals to arrive as quickly as possible, in Arabic or English or your own language:

- urging the President to prevent the execution of Adib Mohamed ‘Ali al-Maqtari;

- urging the President to commute Adib Mohamed ‘Ali al-Maqtari's death sentence, and those of all others whose execution dates are imminent;

- acknowledging that the government has a right to bring to justice those responsible for criminal offences, but expressing unconditional opposition to the death penalty, in Adib Mohamed ‘Ali al-Maqtari's and all other cases;

- reminding the authorities that they are bound by international standards for fair trial in capital cases, and must provide condemned prisoners with the opportunity to seek pardon or commutation of their sentences;

- urging the President to establish a moratorium on executions, with a view to completely abolishing the death penalty.

APPEALS TO:

President

His Excellency General ´Ali ´Abdullah Saleh

President of the Republic of Yemen

Sana'a

Republic of Yemen

Fax: + 967 127 4147

Salutation: Your Excellency

Attorney General

His Excellency ‘Abdullah al-Ulufi

Office of Attorney General

Sana'a

Republic of Yemen

Fax: + 967 137 4412

Salutation: Your Excellency

Minister of Interior

His Excellency Dr Rashid Muhammad al-‘Alimi

Ministry of Interior

Sana'a

Republic of Yemen

Fax: + 967 1 332 511

Salutation: Your Excellency

Minister of Human Rights

Her Excellency Houda ‘Ali ‘Abdullatif al-Baan

Ministry for Human Rights

Sana’a, Republic of Yemen

Faxes: + 967 1 444 838

Salutation: Your Excellency

COPIES TO:diplomatic representatives of Yemen accredited to your country.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY.

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