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Yemeni president returns home

By the CNN Wire Staff
updated 2:09 AM EDT, Fri September 23, 2011
Thousands of Yemenis rally in the city of Ibb on September 19, 2011 against the deadly clashes between anti-government protesters and security forces in the capita Sanaa.
Thousands of Yemenis rally in the city of Ibb on September 19, 2011 against the deadly clashes between anti-government protesters and security forces in the capita Sanaa.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Protesters have been calling for the ouster of the longtime Yemeni president
  • Crackdown by Yemeni authorities has left hundreds dead, group says
  • Amnesty International says about 200 killed since February

(CNN) -- Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh has returned home after undergoing treatment in Saudi Arabia, a government spokesman said Friday.

Saleh returned to Yemen after a three-month medical stay in Saudi Arabia, said Mohammed Albasha, the Yemeni government spokesman.

Protesters have been calling for the ouster of the longtime president, who had been recuperating from a June attack on his palace. He has vowed to finish his term.

A violent crackdown by authorities has left hundreds dead at protests, rights groups said.

Report: Yemen VP calls for cease-fire

Amnesty International said that since February, 200 people have been killed and more than 1,000 injured in protests in Yemen "as security forces have repeatedly used excessive force, including by firing live ammunition at peacefully gathered protesters."

Government officials have repeatedly denied accusations of excessive use of force, and said the government is committed to establishing a peaceful transfer of power.

Yemeni officials have said forces cracked down on those committing acts of violence during protests.

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