About This Report
Unpunished Massacre
February 12, 2013

Unpunished Massacre

Yemen’s Failed Response to the “Friday of Dignity” Killings

Summary
Recommendations
Methodology
I. Background
II. Mounting Violence before the Friday of Dignity Attack
Security Forces Assist Pro-Government Gangs
Government Officials Help Build Wall
III. The Attack
“Protect Your Homes!”
A Shower of Bullets
Mosque Filled with Dead and Dying
Protesters Beat, Detain Suspected Gunmen
State of Emergency
IV. The Victims
Salah Abdullah al-Shurmani
Anwar al-Maeti
Salim al-Harazi
Jabir Saad Ali Jabir al-Mandaliq
V. State Failure to Protect
Yemen’s Legal Obligations to Protect
Central Security Withdraws Early, Returns Late
No Action to Stop Shooters
Poor Response of Regular Police
Central Security Chief Denies Wrongdoing
VI. Flawed Investigation
Political Interference
Allegations of False Testimony
Failure to Question Top Officials
Primary Suspects Remain at Large
Further Errors in Probe
VII. Steps Toward Accountability
Indicting Ex-President Saleh and Aides
International Paths to Justice
Push for Inquiries and Compensation
Acknowledgments