Independent MP Ahmed Saif Hashed speaks to the Yemen Times “The president is making desperate attempts to cling to power”

Independent MP Ahmed Saif Hashed is known for his strong criticism of the regime and his advocacy of humanitarian issues. He had worked as a judge, but quit his job due to “corruption in the judiciary.” Despite his diplomatic immunity, Hashed has been severely beaten a number of times by security forces and thugs during his participation in pro-democracy protests. Hashed talks to the Yemen Times about recent events in Yemen. President Saleh said that Yemen will dissolve into civil war if there is an attempted military coup.

What does this statement by the president mean?

President Saleh has always used this threat to frighten Yemenis. He has used all his cards to remain in power, and is now trying to cause concern amongst the international community in an attempt to impede the youth revolution. The president now lives in isolation and he is afraid that his wealth will be confiscated. He is also trying to avoid facing prosecution for his crimes.

There were mass resignations from the ruling party in the last few days. How will these resignations motivate youth revolution?

The sit-ins and the youths « determination have caused deep rifts between members of the ruling party and prominent military leaders. They have realized that there will be a successful revolution in the coming days and have decided to join this revolution. We are welcoming all those who have recently resigned to join the revolution, but we will not allow them to steal the youth » s achievements and efforts.

Do you think that the resignation of General Ali Mohsen Al-Ahmar will greatly help the protesters achieve their revolutionary aims?

« This resignation is an important factor to the revolutions success. It provides protesters with protection and makes the other side [the president and his supporters] more careful about any risks they may take.

What is your opinion about the statement from the Yemeni Defense Minister last week when he said that the army will support the president?

The statement was aimed to hinder and frighten the youth revolution, but the youth are determined to continue in their peaceful struggle.

» Whats a plausible scenario over the coming days?

There will be a transition period and the establishment of a presidential council consisting of five members. Most members should be from the south because they have been marginalized and oppressed by the current regime. The members of this council must be civilian, and we should avoid any military figures in this council. We will not accept any member who was working with the current corrupt regime. We will choose people who are reputable and acceptable by Yemenis. There will be an interim government staffed by technocrats and the constitution will be changed. The army and security authorities will be neutral.

« How did you receive the news of last Friday » s brutal attack on pro-democracy protesters in Sanaa?

« This heinous crime has hurt the Yemenis » feelings. The president wanted to provoke violence between the protesters, but the protesters calmed their nerves and didnt resort to violence. This crime has caused a deep reaction and all Yemenis now sympathize with the youth in Change Square and support them. After this crime, the youth will not give up their demands for the president to go on trial.

How do you evaluate the stance of general prosecutor on this crime?

« The judiciary in Yemen isnt independent. The Yemeni judiciary is ineligible to conduct an investigation into this crime.

Do you think that the general prosecutor will disclose the real perpetrators of this crime?

The general prosecutor is under great pressure from all sides. There are no guarantees for the general prosecutor to work in a neutral environment.

The MPs that have resigned have formed a new political bloc. How they can add momentum to the protests?

They will add moral support to the protesters and play a big role in moving public opinion towards supporting the youth revolution.

» Do you think that other MPs who didnt resign from the ruling party face pressure from the president and officials?

Even if they face pressure from anyone, they should see these waves of resignations from the ruling party and they should observe the current situation very closely, otherwise they will end up regretting it.

How do you assess the effectiveness of the parliament at the moment?

« The parliament cannot present anything that will serve Yemenis. It » s riddled with corruption and ruling party members dont hesitate to pass laws and decisions that hurt Yemenis.

« Several observers say that Yemen » s revolution is gaining momentum. Whats the secret of this success?

The political tension and corruption have made this revolution. Yemenis lost their confidence in President Saleh and the corrupt regime, so they decided to protest against this corrupt 33 year rule.

Do think that the pro-Saleh protests will continue for a long time?

The pro-Saleh protesters are hired and those protesters cannot protect a dying regime. Most of those protesters are soldiers and they may turn against the president soon. The president depends on mercenaries and he thinks that they will defend him. Unfortunately, the president is making desperate attempts to cling to power.

Why has the government decided to shut down the Al-Jazeera bureau, and are preventing foreign journalists from covering events in Yemen?

The government is worried about the media because the media has exposed the weakness and corruption of the regime. The regime wants to hide its crimes against peaceful protesters.

« Whats your opinion about Yemeni government media, especially during the recent events?

The government media lies a lot and misrepresents the truth.

You have been beaten up several times. Do the security forces and police in Yemen respect your diplomatic immunity?

The security forces in Yemen do not respect the constitution, nor do they respect diplomatic immunity. In Yemen, sheikhs and influential people have more power and immunity than MPs. Some parliamentarians expose themselves to being beaten if they express their opinions.