Zalluabed's National News Source
LIVE: PRESIDENT REFUTES INTERNATIONAL CRITICISM AFTER CRACKING DOWN ON PROTESTS
The Zalluabedi Government is Defending the Arrest of Dissident Critic Amir Abutaka
A major demonstration in the city of Tuim, where Amir Abutaka was arrested.
President Zayyaan al-Akhtar pushed back against international criticism in the wake of the arrest of dissident activist Amir Abutaka, saying "his actions were detrimental to our security and posed a serious threat to rallying insurgent activity against innocent Zalluabedi." Even as demonstrations surge against President al-Akhtar, the government, and the military for cracking down on Abutaka's protest, the adamant statements of defiance continue to be all the government puts forth.
Protestors demanded a referendum to elect a new government, as al-Akhtar grows increasingly unpopular and the division between rival sects in the country grows. While overall more peaceful than previous demonstrations and certainly since the cessation of hostilities with the signing of the Osea Accords, about a dozen people have died in sporadic clashes.
The government of Albarine, a staunch critic of Zalluabed's government on the international stage, called for Abutaka to be released. Chancellor Sadie Melhaven released a statement herself calling for his release.
Amir Abutaka, who is 52-years-old, and his wife are part of the so-called 93 Generation movement, a series of student-led protests that challenged Zalluabed's government in 1993. They have been in and out of jail for playing a key role in anti-government protests in 2007, nicknamed the Afrna Revolution for the participation of blue-robed Tuim manufacturer workers. Abutaka’s last stint behind bars was from 2007 to 2012. He was released as the generals loosened their grip to start opening up Zalluabed in preparation for the 2015 elections.
The farmers protest on the Zalluabed-Albarine border has been on for over a month and is making a record of sorts as the largest protest in the region's history. Much has been said about the right and the wrong of the protest, but the military crackdowns have led to death. This was one of the factors that Abutaka often spoke out about, calling President al-Akhtar a "tyrant" and the government a "patsy of the military forces of Zalluabed."
Growing protests demanding Abutaka's release have reached the capital of Zakaraban, with protestors using bricks and burning tyres in the capital to denounce the action. Throngs of protesters took to the streets on Monday to voice their support for increased civilian rule within the country's power-sharing government. Demonstrators marched through the streets of the capital, Zakaraban, chanting anti-military slogans and waving flags. Pro-civilian protests were also held in other Zalluabedi cities.
The Zalluabed Professionals Association, a body which helped organize the demonstrations against al-Akhtar before, said demonstrators protesting against the military were met with tear gas at the parliament gates in Zakaraban. The organization said in a statement that the tear gas was "intended to provoke and push for violence" but called on their supporters to remain peaceful.
"There is no retreat from the streets until the handover of power," it said.
Military and civilian groups have been sharing power in the South Adulan country in an uneasy alliance that has lasted for decades.
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