Thousands of protesters urge Yemeni President Saleh to resign

SANAA: Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Yemen's capital Sanaa on Thursday to protest economic policies and urge the ouster of the regime which is led by incumbent President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

Protesters carried banners reading "no to povertization policy" and "the time has come for change," while others chanted slogans urging the opposition to move for change. 
The opposition rallies also condemned corruption, the extension of the presidential term, and the ruling of one family.


The rallies were held at four separate locations, including one at Sanaa University.



A pro-government rally was also organized but with fewer demonstrators, who chanted support for President Saleh. Protesters urged people to stand by the government to fight corruption and destabilization.


Anti-riot police with batons and police cars were deployed to the streets in an effort to contain any potential clashes. However, there were no reports of serious violence.

Yemen has been witnessing protests since the demonstrations in Tunisia ousted president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, ending his 23 years in power. Similar protests have erupted in Egypt in an effort to oust President Muhammad Hosni Mubarak.

On Sunday, Yemeni police arrested a female rights activist for organizing anti-government protests in the capital last week.

(BNO NEWS )