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Hamas critics targeted in 'deadly campaign'
(AKI) - Human rights group Amnesty International has accused the Gaza Strip's ruling Hamas movement of conducting a "deadly campaign" of abductions, killings, and torture against those accused of "collaborating" with Israel. In a report released on Tuesday, Amnesty said at least two dozen men had been shot dead by Hamas gunmen and scores of others had been shot in the legs, kneecapped or inflicted with other injuries since the end of December 2008.Others had been subjected to severe beatings which have caused multiple fractures and other injuries, or otherwise tortured or ill-treated, Amnesty said. The report summarises the research of an Amnesty International fact-finding team which visited Gaza during and after the recent Israeli offensive which killed more than 1,330 Palestinians, most of them civilians. Thirteen Israelis died during the three-week offensive that began on 27 December. Amnesty said most of the victims attacked by Hamas were abducted from their homes and later dumped -- dead or injured -- in isolated areas, or found in the morgue of one of Gaza's hospitals. Some were shot dead inside hospitals where they were receiving treatment for injuries. The fact-finding team which visited Gaza during and after the Israeli offensive recorded testimonies from a number of victims, as well as medical sources and eyewitnesses who corroborated their stories. "Scores of others are too afraid to speak publicly for fear of retribution by Hamas forces and militias," Amnesty said in a statement. Amnesty is calling on the Hamas de-facto administration to immediately end the campaign of abuse and to agree to the establishment of an independent, non-partisan national commission of experts to investigate the claims. Posted by: Fred 2009-02-11 |
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