Egypt’s Sisi Honors Militia Fighter Accused of War Crimes in Sinai
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi honored Ibrahim Hammad, a militia fighter implicated in war crimes, at a recent ceremony. Human rights organizations condemned this recognition, highlighting documented evidence against Hammad for war crimes, including extrajudicial executions. The situation represents a broader issue of state impunity amid ongoing conflicts in Sinai.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi recently posthumously honored militia fighter Ibrahim Hammad, referring to him as a “martyr hero” during a ceremony dedicated to armed forces members who have died in combat. This recognition was met with significant backlash from human rights organizations, which have called for investigations into serious war crime allegations against Hammad. Notably, he was killed on May 10, 2022, during an operation targeting alleged terrorists in North Sinai’s Sheikh Zuweid area.
The Sinai Foundation for Human Rights (SFHR), based in London, condemned Sisi’s remarks, asserting that evidence implicating Hammad in heinous acts, such as extrajudicial executions of unarmed civilians, has been documented. The SFHR noted, “The SFHR and international organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have documented this individual’s involvement in cold-blooded field executions of unarmed civilians in Sinai in 2017.” Such honors are viewed as an affront to the victims and their families, perpetuating a culture of impunity.
Further allegations include participation in a verified 2017 video showing Hammad executing two brothers from the Rumailat tribe. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has labeled these actions as clear war crimes, demanding accountability. The SFHR emphasizes that despite extensive evidence against him, no legal action was initiated prior to his death. Instead, he remained active within military operations until his demise due to an explosive device.
The Egyptian military has been engaged in conflict against the Islamic State-affiliated Sinai Province since 2013, resulting in significant civilian displacement, with many North Sinai inhabitants being forcibly removed from their homes. Reports indicate that thousands have yet to return as much of the area has been designated as a buffer zone with Israel and Gaza. Both HRW and SFHR have documented war crimes by both parties during this prolonged conflict, yet Cairo has not pursued any investigations or prosecutions related to these allegations, even extending amnesty to Islamic State members following the end of hostilities.
President Sisi’s honor of Ibrahim Hammad, despite serious war crime allegations, raises significant concerns among human rights advocates. This incident reflects broader issues of accountability within Egypt, especially regarding actions taken during the military campaign in Sinai. The ongoing lack of investigations into alleged war crimes fosters a disturbing narrative of impunity, impacting countless victims and further complicating the region’s recovery from conflict.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
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