Yemen’s capital city Sana’a is the largest in the country, and one of the oldest cities in the world. The capital has been the epicenter of demonstrations, where hundreds of thousands of rivaling protesters gathered April 1. Sana’a is known for its indistinguishable, monochromatic buildings with brown facades.
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More than 1 million people gathered in the center of Sana’a for a pro-government rally.
Karim Ben Khelifa for Newsweek
On April 1, pro-government protesters clung to poles bearing the country’s flag, demonstrating their loyalty to the regime.
Karim Ben Khelifa for Newsweek
Supporters of Yemen President Ali Abdullah Saleh marched with banners of their leaders on April 1.
Karim Ben Khelifa for Newsweek
A lone member of the opposition party was spotted at Sana'a University in March, not far from where thousands of anti-government protesters huddled together at “Change Square” on April 1.
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During a peaceful protest at Sana’a University in March, a young man was hoisted into the air by his comrades.
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A sign strategically placed near the university echoes the sentiments of protesters who want the president ousted from office.
Karim Ben Khelifa for Newsweek
Traditionally, women in Yemen are quite literally forbidden to raise their voices in the streets, but anti-government protests have given them an opportunity to speak out on behalf of the revolution. Here, a woman passes by tents where many protesters are camping at Sana’a University.
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Women and even children gather in a peaceful protest against Saleh’s regime.
Karim Ben Khelifa for Newsweek
A portrait of a man killed during demonstration clashes on March 18 hangs next to that of revolutionary hero Ernesto Che Guevara. At least 52 anti-government protesters were killed by Yemeni police that day during one of the bloodiest clashes the country has seen yet.
Karim Ben Khelifa for Newsweek
Days later, 150,000 people bowed down in prayer at Sana’a University to mourn the deaths of those killed during the demonstrations. Funeral attendants wrapped dozens of bodies in Yemen’s tricolor flag and marched on the streets shouting, “Ali Saleh the tyrant is the enemy of God.”
Karim Ben Khelifa for Newsweek
A Yemeni woman walks through narrow alleyways in the old city of Sana’a.
Karim Ben Khelifa for Newsweek
