UN: Amnesty Deal with Saleh violates International Law

    A deal worked out by the GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council) would give President Saleh of Yemen amnesty from prosecution for any crimes both to himself, his family, and his aides. The deal was supported by the United States.
 After stalling for a lengthy period, Saleh finally signed the deal. Power was to be transferred to his vice-president although Saleh would retain the title of president for some time. Many opposition policies also supported the deal and were given in return some positions in the transitional government. However, many in Saleh's family still serve in important positions as well.
    The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay noted: “I have been closely following the events in Yemen, particularly the very contentious debate about an amnesty law to be presented to Parliament shortly,” “International law and the UN policy are clear on the matter: amnesties are not permissible if they prevent the prosecution of individuals who may be criminally responsible for international crimes including war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and gross violations of human rights.”
   Protesters in Yemen take the same position as the UN commissioner. However with the U.S. and important regional powers supporting the amnesty it is unlikely that Saleh and his family will ever face justice or be held accountable for their actions including responsibility for ordering crackdowns that killed many protesters.