Yemen: at least 5 people shot dead during protests in Sanaa, as President Saleh transferred the power

At least five demonstrators have been shot dead by loyalists of Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh during protests in the capital, Sanaa, reports say.

People were protesting against a power transfer deal that promises Ali Abdullah Saleh immunity from prosecution.

On Wednesday, Ali Abdullah Saleh signed the deal in Saudi Arabia under which he is to step down after more than 30 years in power.

President Ali Abdullah Saleh agreed to hand power to his deputy after months of protests.

Many other protesters were wounded in the clashes, reports say.

According to an AFP correspondent, the protesters were shot at by armed civilians whom they describe as Ali Abdullah Saleh’s “thugs”, as they marched towards the city centre.

At least four bodies taken from the scene of the shooting were visible at a nearby hospital, correspondents say.

Thousands of people in Sanaa cheered the news of Ali Abdullah Saleh’s impending departure, but others rejected the agreement.