SANAA, Sept 11: Yemen has pardoned dozens of people arrested in violent protests by unemployed youths in April, under a government agreement with the opposition, a security official said on Thursday.

“The last 12 detainees were freed yesterday and early today (Thursday) after signing a pledge not to carry out activities against the unity of the country,” the official told Reuters.

Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh issued the amnesty after authorities reached a settlement with opposition parties, particularly the Yemen Socialist Party (YSP) which ruled south Yemen before its unification with the north in 1990. The amnesty also covers three YSP leaders charged in May with inciting violence and calling for secession. Opposition officials confirmed the report.

Youths seeking army jobs rioted in several towns in April, some raising demands for secession of the south, where many people feel marginalised.

—Reuters