Ref: 97/2007

Date: 19 August 2007

Time: 12:00 GMT

PCHR Calls for Investigating the Abduction and Killing of a Palestinians from Nuseirat Refugee Camp

PCHR strongly condemns the murder of Nimr Abu Mhadi from Nuseirat refugee camp, and calls upon the Attorney-General to immediately investigate this crime and prosecute the perpetrators.

The Center’s preliminary investigation indicates that at approximately 11:50 on Saturday, 18 August 2007, Shifa Hospital in Gaza City announced the death of Nimr Abd El-Karimn Abu Mhadi (44) from Nuseirat refugee camp. He died of wounds sustained earlier during the day. Forensic sources at the hospital indicated that Abu Mhadi’s bodies bore signs of beating and torture, handcuff marks, and a gunshot wound in the left knee that causes severe bleeding.

Unknown gunmen abducted Abu Mhadi at approximately 2:00 on Sunday, 12 August 2007, as he was on his way to El-Zahra town south of Gaza City. The victim’s brother, Taleb, gave a statement to PCHR in which he stated that he received a phone call at about 23:20 on Saturday, 18 August, from his brother’s mobile phone. The caller informed Taleb that his brother was injured north of El-Zahra. The victim’s brother added that he took a group of relatives and headed to the area. They found his brother injured and on the ground. They took him to Shifa Hospital, where he died upon arrival.

PCHR strongly condemns the murder of Nimr Abu Mhadi, and calls upon the PNA, represented by the Attorney-General, to immediately investigate this crime and prosecute the perpetrators.