A Yemeni court sentenced six men to death on Monday, for terrorist activities that included the killing of nine tourists and attacks on western embassies. Amnesty International said on Monday that it opposes the death penalty in all circumstances, whatever the crimes for which it is imposed. “In this case, we understand that those sentenced have a right of appeal against their convictions and sentences,” said Malcolm Smart of Amnesty International. “We hope that the death sentences will be overturned on appeal or, if not, that the President will commute the death sentences.” “Amnesty International condemns attacks on civilians such as those for which the defendants in this trial were convicted.” According to media reports, the Specialized Criminal Court sentenced ten others to jail terms ranging from eight to 15 years. The men, 11 Yemenis, four Syrians and a Saudi Arabian national of Yemeni origin, were found guilty of attacks including one that killed seven Spanish tourists at the Queen of Sheba temple in Marib in 2007 and two Belgian tourists in the Hadhramaut region in 2008. The 16 defendants were also implicated in attacks on the US embassy in the capital, Sana’a; on a compound housing foreign workers; and attempted attacks on an oil installation.
