Yemen forces intrude into religious institution

Yemeni security sources stated today that the security bodies intruded yesterday on a religious institution in Sanaa, the Badr Institution for educating students about the origins of Shiite Islamic dogma.

Sources said that Yemeni security bodies cleared the institution of 150 students, then it closed the institute arresting its head, Sheikh Mortada, according to an order from the general prosecution after Friday's prayer on the occasion of the anniversary of the September 26, 1962 revolution.

In his oration, the sheikh called for restoring the system of the revolution, saying that the republican system has failed to bring about any change and that corruption prevails. He said there is no solution for the country unless the Imam system based on Shiite doctrine returns once more.

The Yemeni authorities considered the words of the Sheikh an attempt to start factional riots in the country.

Moreover it was said that the Badr Institution has caused disputes with some individuals of the Yemeni Reform Grouping (Islaah).