Contact: In Atlanta, Deborah Hakes, 404-420-5124
Atlanta, GA….The Carter Center condemns the killing and maiming of suspected collaborators, political opponents, and common criminals committed by Hamas-affiliated security forces in the Gaza Strip. According to a recent Human Rights Watch report, during the course of Operation Cast Lead from Dec. 27, 2008, through Jan. 17, 2009, Hamas-affiliated security forces executed extra-judicially 18 people while maiming dozens of others, often by shooting them in the knees and feet. They executed an additional 14 individuals from Jan. 18 - March 31. Hamas authorities in Gaza have investigated only a few such cases.
The Carter Center is also concerned about the illegal activities of Palestinian Authority security services in the West Bank. According to Human Rights Watch, during the first two months of 2009, 31 complaints of torture at the hands of Fatah-affiliated security forces were registered, and one individual died while in custody. These findings have been echoed by the Palestinian Center for Human Rights, based in Gaza, and the local Independent Commission for Human Rights in the West Bank.
Concerning these violations of international law, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter said, "These acts of killing, maiming, and torture are gross human rights violations that must be condemned. I call on the Hamas authorities in Gaza and the Palestinian National Authority in Ramallah to put an immediate end to such practices, while ensuring thorough and impartial investigations of all such cases."
####
A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in more than 70 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; improving mental health care; and teaching farmers in developing nations to increase crop production. The Center has observed over 70 elections in nearly 30 countries. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide.
Please sign up below for important news about the work of The Carter Center and special event invitations.
