PUBLICAI Index: MDE 31/009/2001

UA 320/01 Fear for safety/risk of extrajudicial execution14 December 2001

YEMENBadr al-Dhubai (m), aged 8

Armed tribesmen have kidnapped eight-year-old Badr al-Dhubai to force his father to drop legal proceedings against one of their tribe. Amnesty International believes Badr al-Dhubai’s life is in danger, and is concerned that the police appear to have failed in their duty to secure his release.

The police arrested two people in connection with the kidnap, but released them the same day. The kidnappers are members of the Al-Rashid Moneef tribe. The leader of the tribe, Sheikh Mohsen bin Ma’eely, is a member of the Consultative Council (parliament).

Badr al-Dhubai was reportedly kidnapped near his school in the capital, Sana’a, on 27 November. The kidnappers allegedly told his family that they would not see Badr again unless his father, businessman Ahmad al-Dhubai, suspends his court action against tribesman Mohammed Saleh Bin Ojaym. Ahmad al-Dhubai is seeking about US$18,000 fromMohammed Saleh Bin Ojaym in a business dispute. The kidnappers have demanded that Ahmad al-Dhubai suspend the proceedings before the court delivers its final decision on the case, which is expected on 26 December.

Badr was apparently allowed to speak to his mother in the first few days after he was kidnapped, but his family have not heard from him since 2 December.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Armed Yemeni tribes regularly kidnap people for ransom. At least nine people were kidnapped in this way during the year 2000, including one child.

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

- expressing concern for the safety of eight-year-old Badr al Dhubai, who was kidnapped by members of the Al-Rashid Moneef tribe on 27 November;

- noting that the government has a duty to protect its citizens, especially children, and expressing concern that the police appear to have neglected that duty in this case;

- urging the authorities to do everything in their power to ensure that Badr al Dhubai is released.

APPEALS TO:

His Excellency GeneraĺAli ́Abdullah Saleh

President of the Republic of Yemen

Telegrams:President ́Ali ́Abdullah Saleh, Sanáa, Republic of Yemen

Telexes:2422 RIASAH YE

Faxes:+ 967 127 4147

Salutation:Your Excellency

‘Abd al-Qader Bajamal

Prime Minister of the Republic of Yemen

Sana’a

Republic of Yemen

Faxes:+ 967 1 282 669

Salutation:Your Excellency

Minister of Interior

Rashid Muhammad al-‘Alimi

Ministry of Interior

Sana’a

Republic of Yemen

Telegrams:Interior Minister, Sana’a, Yemen

Faxes:+ 967 1 251 529 / 251 566

Salutation:Your Excellency

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

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat, or your section office, if sending appeals after 25 January 2002.