The Southern National Coalition expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the assassination of Mr. Abdul Rahman al-Shaer, a prominent educational leader, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Nawras Schools, and a leading figure in the Yemeni Islah Party.

In a statement issued today, Tuesday, the Coalition strongly condemned the crime committed by gunmen in the interim capital, Aden, last Saturday, which was followed by the perpetrators fleeing the scene.

The Coalition affirmed that this treacherous attack constitutes a blatant violation of human values and a systematic assault on the role of education and centers of enlightenment that contribute to building societies and strengthening the foundations of the state.

The assassination of the martyr al-Shaer is part of the attempts by terrorist forces to deprive the nation of its dedicated talents and to deeply undermine the foundations of stability.

The coalition stressed the necessity for the Presidential Leadership Council to conduct a thorough and decisive review of current security policies, avoiding a policy of containment and the mere rotation of positions in appointments. It also called for serious efforts to empower qualified and competent individuals capable of strengthening the rule of law and achieving justice.

The coalition held local authorities and security agencies responsible for expediting the identification and prosecution of the perpetrators, so they may serve as a deterrent to anyone contemplating the shedding of innocent blood, targeting symbols of enlightenment in society, undermining security and stability, or terrorizing the residents of the city, which has always been a hub of the national movement and remains a symbol of national action.

The coalition called upon all national forces to unite and stand together to thwart all conspiracies and abort projects that thrive on bloodshed and fuel conflict, and that do not desire stability for the South or Yemen in general.

He stressed that the standard of success lies in putting an end to the assassination crimes that targeted community leaders and those working in the political, charitable, social and educational fields, and ensuring justice and fairness for the victims, while holding the criminals and all those behind them accountable in a firm manner.

The coalition offered its heartfelt condolences to all the sons and family of the martyred al-Shaer, praying to God to have mercy on him, to grant him a place in Paradise, and to inspire his family and relatives with patience and solace.