Aden (South24 Center) 

Protesters staged a sit-in on Tuesday (March 3) in front of Maashiq Palace, the headquarters of the government in the capital Aden, demanding the release of detainees whom they say were arrested after participating in a previous demonstration at the same location.

Participants raised slogans calling for the immediate release of those detained, affirming that their peaceful protests would continue until their demands are met, amid a security presence around the government compound.

According to activists and local human rights organizations, security forces arrested around twenty individuals following the demonstration held in Aden on February 19 in front of Maashiq Palace. Sources said some of the detainees were taken into custody at the protest site, while security forces raided the homes of others in Aden and Lahj and transferred them to undisclosed detention facilities.

The arrests came after a statement issued by the Aden Security Committee regarding the demonstration, in which it said it would pursue those it described as “instigators” of the protests.

During the February 19 events, security forces opened fire on demonstrators gathered at the palace gate, resulting in the death of one protester and injuries to more than 20 others, according to statements issued by civil society organizations.

Human rights groups condemned the use of live ammunition against civilian gatherings, describing it as a grave violation of the right to life and peaceful assembly, and a breach of the authorities’ obligations to protect citizens while exercising their constitutionally and internationally guaranteed rights.

The demonstration came amid escalating political tensions following positions announced by the Southern Transitional Council (STC) on February 17, rejecting the presence of northern ministers in the new government formation headed by Shaya Al-Zindani.

Bodies affiliated with the STC in Aden, Lahj, Abyan, and Hadramout said the recent appointments represent a “bypass of the southern will,” warning against the imposition of a new political reality.

In a subsequent statement, the STC condemned the arrest of the protesters and called for their immediate release, considering the detention of participants in peaceful protests a violation of public rights.

The developments come amid rising political and security tensions in Aden, with growing calls for the release of detainees and a transparent investigation into the shooting incidents that accompanied the recent protests.