Yemen’s attorney general on Wednesday ordered the country’s prosecutors to expedite investigations into the cases of detained terror crime suspects as the government stepped up its effort to restore the judicial system in provinces liberated from rebel groups.
Attorney-General Ali Ahmed Al-Awash issued the directive during a visit to the Aden Central Prison, known as Mansoura, in Aden to check on the condition of prisoners and the challenges facing prison officials.
In his talk with the head of criminal prosecution and the prison director, he highlighted the importance of taking into account prisoners’ rights during the two stages of investigation and trial.
In carrying out their duties, prosecutors have to verify the legality of all detentions and confinements, he said.
Al-Awash said prison officials must strive to improve the conditions of prisons and prisoners in accordance with Yemen’s Prison Act.
He also warned prison administrators against keeping or releasing any prisoner or detainee without a judicial order from the public prosecution office.
The UN-recognized government of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi has made the southern city of Aden as Yemen’s temporary capital after the combined forces of the Iran-backed Houthi militias and loyalists of former President Ali Abdullah Saleh seized Sanaa in 2014.
The “coup” prompted the formation of an Arab coalition led by Saudi Arabia to help restore Hadi’s government. Since the coalition launched the campaign in March 2015, a number of provinces have been liberated from the rebels.