Amnesty International's recent report on human rights and the rule of law in Yemen stated that the country has seen a major setback over the year 2008, despite the fact that the country was making slight progress in the past.

The report referred to the several cases of violence by security forces against citizens, arbitrary detentions and forced disappearance. Most of these acts were associated with Sa'ada war in the most northern parts of Yemen and the problems in some southern provinces.

Moreover, the report noted that violations of civil and political rights have passively affected the economic and social aspects of people’s lives. The violations increased due to the renewed armed clashes between police and protesters.

It also mentioned that there was unverified information of extrajudicial executions, while authorities allegedly claim they were under arrest. The report further hinted that some citizens were detained merely for asking about their detained relatives. 

Amnesty also received several reports of torture and ill-treatment, threats of physical liquidation and harassment. Further, many detainees were held for weeks and even months without being legally charged.

According to the report, police officers never adhere to the laws as people are detained for weeks in detention centers without charging or sending them to prosecution. 

The report alleged Yemen still allows the execution of delinquent children though it claims, otherwise. Adel Muhammad Saif Al-Ma’mari was executed despite international appeals and medical evidence that he was under 18 by the time he committed the crime and sentenced to death.