ADEN — Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council chairman Rashad Al-Alimi has issued a republican decree removing Aidarus bin Qassem Al-Zoubaidi from the council and referring him to the public prosecutor on charges classified as "high treason" and actions harming state security and unity. The decision, issued Wednesday, was based on constitutional and legal references including Yemen's constitution, the Gulf Initiative and its implementation mechanism, the 2022 decision transferring power and forming the Presidential Leadership Council, as well as laws governing crimes, penalties and the trial of senior state officials. The decree said the move was taken "in the interest of safeguarding the security of all citizens and affirming commitment to the sovereignty of the republic," citing Al-Zoubaidi's misuse of the southern cause to commit serious violations against civilians in southern governorates, undermine the political and economic standing of the state, assault constitutional authorities and obstruct efforts to confront the coup and rebellion. Under the first article of the decree, Al-Zoubaidi was suspended from his duties and referred to the public prosecutor on charges including high treason aimed at undermining the republic's independence, harming its military, political and economic standing, forming an armed group, committing killings against military officers and soldiers, and violating the constitution and applicable laws. The second article stipulates the revocation of Al-Zoubaidi's membership in the Presidential Leadership Council, while the third tasks the public prosecutor with taking the necessary legal measures and investigating the allegations in accordance with the law. The decision follows a statement issued Wednesday by the Arab coalition, which said Al-Zoubaidi fled to an unknown location after distributing weapons and ammunition to dozens of armed elements in Aden under the leadership of Moumen Al-Saggaf and Mukhtar Al-Noubi, with the aim of creating unrest in the city. According to the coalition, the developments prompted coordination with Yemeni government forces and a request to Presidential Leadership Council Vice President Abdulrahman Al-Mahrami to impose security, prevent clashes in Aden, protect civilians and property, and cooperate with National Shield Forces to maintain stability.
