Capital crime is premeditated murder

Capital crime is premeditated murder. The law provides for the application of the death penalty to minors. In common with all Yemeni death sentences, the punishment must be ratified by the President Ali Abdallah Salih. Executions in Yemen are usually carried out by making the convicted person lie face down on the ground and shooting them with an automatic rifle. On August 3, 1998, a Presidential Decree by Law No 24 was issued, stipulating that those who will lead a gang for kidnapping or bandit, stealing or looting public or private properties by force will face death penalty. And any partner in such action will face the same punishment. More than 100 foreigners, mostly tourists but including some diplomats, have been kidnapped by disgruntled tribesmen since 1992. Most were released unharmed.