Yemen Releases Female Activist

Yemen Releases Female Activist

Yemen has released a female activist, after her arrest sparked a new wave of protests in the capital, Sana'a.

The activist, Tawakul Karman, is a journalist and member of the Islamist Party, Islah. She who had led rallies against the president and was detained on Sunday.

Report says she was released on a guarantee from her family that she would not violate the Yemeni constitution and law again.

Karman is also a member of the activist group ''Women Journalists Without Chains''.

Inspiration from Tunisian experience

Inspired by the recent ouster of Tunisia 's long-time president, Karman called on President Ali Abdullah Saleh to step down and had led two rallies at Sana'a University.

Saleh has ruled Yemen for more than three decades.

The Yemeni government is not only plagued by rebellions in the North and South, but also by a resurgent al Qaeda wing.

The overthrow of Tunisia 's Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali shocked the Arab world and shattered the image that its oppressive, army-backed rulers were immune to popular discontent.

In an apparent move to calm discontent, Saleh announced plans to raise the salaries of government employees and military personnel by 47 dollars to 234 dollars a month.

Reuters/NAN/Yinka