PCHR calls for investigating the abduction of Sami Kuheil and Mazen El-Amasi
from Gaza City by gunmen suspected of belonging to Izzedeen El-Qassam
Battalions, the armed wing of Hamas. The Centre views these violations as a
continuation of the security chaos and violation of rule of law in the OPT.
The
Center’s preliminary investigation indicates that at approximately 23:00 on
Thursday, 6 September 2007, masked gunmen traveling in 2 vehicles abducted Sami
Jaber Kuheil (44) from his car repair shop near his house in Daraj area in Gaza
City. Sami’s father informed PCHR’s fieldworker that the family contacted
several commanders and members of Izzedeen El-Qassam Battalions, who confirmed
that they held Sami; but they did not indicate where he was held.
At
approximately 23:20 on Sunday, 9 September 2007, unknown gunmen abducted Mazen
Ahmad El-Amasi (38) as he was sitting with friends near his house in Daraj area
in Gaza City. Mohammad El-Amasi, who was with Mazen at the time, informed PCHR
that 3 masked gunmen got out of a car and pointed their guns at Mazen as they
were sitting near El-Omari store in Daraj. The gunmen ordered Sami to come with
them. When he asked them about their identity, they informed him that they were
members of Izzedeen El-Qassam Battalions. They took Mazen to an undisclosed
location. Mohammad added that his family contacted several commanders and
members of Izzedeen El-Qassam Battalions, who confirmed that they held Mazen;
but they did not indicate where he was held.
PCHR is concerned over the abduction of Sami Kuheil and Mazen El-Amasi, and:
-
Views these abductions as a continuation of the security
chaos plaguing the OPT.
-
Calls for investigating the abductions, immediately
releasing the abductees, and for prosecuting the perpetrators.
