Security Chaos and Proliferation of Small Arms

Misuse of weapons by armed groups or security personnel

Field Update

26 February 2006

Armed Group Kidnaps and Tortures a Young Man in Khan Yunis

On the evening of Saturday, 25 February 2006, an armed group belonging to the “Ahmad Abu El-Riesh Brigades” kidnapped Isam Dieb El-S’kafi, a 26 year old from Khan Yunis, and tortured him.

PCHR’s initial investigation indicates that at approximately 21:00 on Saturday, a number of gunmen from the “Ahmad Abu El-Riesh Brigades,” affiliated with Fatah, who were traveling in two jeeps, kidnapped Isam El-S’kafi from his home on the southern end of Seiqali Street in Khan Yunis.  They took him to an unknown location for interrogation.

At approximately 23:00 on the same evening, the gunmen threw the kidnapped man in front of the reception at Naser Hospital in Khan Yunis, firing shots in the air as they did so.  Medical sources indicated that the man had been subjected to a severe beating, with bruising and burns sustained all over his body.

The kidnapping is suspected to have taken place as a result of accusations against the man relating to drugs and other issues of a moral nature.

PCHR considers this to be a very serious incident.  The Centre stresses that no one has the right to kidnap citizens and subject them to interrogation.  The Palestinian National Authority is the only entity authorized to question citizens on matters relating to the law.  The Centre calls upon the Attorney-General to investigate this serious crime and to bring the perpetrators to justice.