Rights group points finger at Hamas

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GAZA, Oct. 3 (UPI) -- There is "ample evidence" to suggest Hamas authorities are torturing people in their custody in Gaza, a Human Rights Watch report claims.

Human Rights Watch, in a report published Wednesday, said the criminal justice system in Gaza, where Hamas took power in 2007, is plagued by reports of arbitrary arrests, forced confessions and unfair trials.

Joe Stork, deputy director of Middle East programs for Human Rights Watch, said Hamas, considered a terrorist organization by some governments, has routinely violated basic international rights.

Human Rights Watch said military courts often try civilians in violation of international law and detainee rights are noticeably absent.

Human Rights Watch documents one case in with a Palestinian man was abused by the armed wing of Hamas, al-Qassam brigades, for three weeks in 2008. He was charged with collaborating with Israeli and executed by firing squad in 2011.

Stork called on authorities in Gaza to ensure the justice system respects the basic rights of the Palestinian people.

"There is ample evidence that Hamas security services are torturing people in custody with impunity and denying prisoners their rights," he said.