Thousands in Yemen demand president's sons leave

AHMED AL-HAJ, Associated press

June 26, 2011

ANAA, Yemen (AP) — Tens of thousands are demonstrating in the streets of Yemen's major cities demanding that the president's sons and other aides leave the country.

The protesters on Sunday also called for President Ali Abdullah Saleh to step aside after nearly 33 years in power.

Saleh is in Saudi Arabia for medical treatment after being badly wounded when his compound was attacked earlier this month.

The protesters shouted "Saleh's orphans have to leave the country."

Ahmed Saleh, 42, a one-time heir apparent to his father, commands the elite Republican Guard.

The military unit has played a key role in protecting his father's regime since pro-democracy protests erupted in February. His brother Khaled is an army commander.