A Yemeni man condemns security forces that kill 4 protesters

A Yemeni Shiite man shouts slogans as he sit near his relative's body who was killed on last Sunday's clashes in Sanaa, Yemen, on June 13, 2013. At least four people were killed and dozens of others wounded from the Shiite Houthi group in clashes with security forces while they protested in front of the National Security Service on last Sunday. (Photo : Xinhua/Mohammed Mohammed)

Yemeni security officials say thousands have protested in the capital against “excesses” by security forces, calling for the overthrow of the president and national security apparatus.

The demonstration came during the funeral of 13 Shiite protesters who were killed in clashes with police last Sunday. The protesters had been demanding the release of political detainees, and attempted to storm intelligence headquarters in Sanaa.

Also on Thursday, Human Rights Watch called on the government to thoroughly investigate Sunday’s incident and hold the culprits responsible.

Yemeni Shiite women hold pictures of four victims who were killed in last Sunday's clashes, in Sanaa, Yemen, on June 13, 2013. (Photo : Xinhua/Mohammed Mohammed)

Shiite rebels of the Hawthi tribal group have waged an on-and-off uprising against the government for years.

Hawthi leader Ali al-Bokhayti said security forces had handled the protesters as if they were armed, a charge he denied, saying that “all the victims were from one side.” <AP/NEWSis>