On April 27, PFLP issued a statement that accused Hamas of imposing
arbitrary and exhorbitant taxes on residents of the Gaza Strip.
"The right to freedom of opinion and expression is guaranteed under the
Palestinian Basic Law and relevant international conventions," the
Palestinian Center for Human Rights said.
Hours after the PFLP statement, Hamas security forces raided the homes
of several key members. Palestinian sources said 15 PFLP operatives were
detained from such locations as Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Jabalya, Shati and
Tel El Hawa.
"These measures taken by the security service in the Gaza Strip
constitute a violation of the right to freedom of opinion and expression,
which is guaranteed under the Palestinian Basic Law and relevant
international conventions," PCHR said on April 29.
The human rights center said PFLP operatives were interrogated regarding
the statement against Hamas. PCHR said the detainees, 11 of them released on
April 28, had been ill-treated.
At the same time, Hamas police and Internal Security Service officers
attacked PFLP and tried to break into the movement's office in Khan Yunis on
April 28. Palestinian sources said PFLP leaders in Gaza City and Syria have
intervened in an effort to end the Hamas crackdown.
"PCHR confirms the right of political opposition to express political
opinion, including criticizing the government, and opposing its policy
through all forms ensured by the law, including press releases, peaceful
demonstrations and all forms of peaceful protest," the human rights group
said.