Egyptian President Sisi honored militia fighter Ibrahim Hammad, called a “martyr” despite allegations of war crimes, including unlawful executions. Human rights groups, like SFHR, condemned this move, claiming it fosters a culture of impunity. Evidence of Hammad’s crimes has been documented without subsequent legal action. The ongoing military conflict in Sinai raises serious concerns about accountability and the impact on local populations who have been displaced.
On a recent occasion, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi honored Ibrahim Hammad, a militia fighter from Sinai deemed a “martyr,” amidst calls from human rights organizations for accountability regarding his alleged war crimes. Hammad was killed on May 10, 2022, during an Egyptian army operation targeting supposed terrorists in North Sinai’s Sheikh Zuweid region. During this annual event dedicated to fallen armed forces members, Sisi presented a commendation to Hammad’s mother, referring to him as a “martyr hero.”
The Sinai Foundation for Human Rights (SFHR), which campaigns for accountability in the region, strongly criticized Sisi’s tribute. They highlighted that both SFHR and international bodies like Human Rights Watch have documented Hammad’s participation in unlawful executions of unarmed civilians in 2017. According to the SFHR, this accolade dishonors the victims and exacerbates a climate of impunity.
Specific evidence includes a verified video, dating back to April 2017, showing Hammad executing two detained individuals, identifiable as brothers from the Rumailat tribe, at close range. Human Rights Watch termed this act “an undeniable war crime that demands accountability,” noting the absence of any legal repercussions for Hammad before his death. Despite the revelations, the state continues to shield individuals involved in human rights violations.
Since 2013, the Egyptian military, supported by local inhabitants, has engaged in a lengthy conflict against the Islamic State-affiliated Sinai Province. Despite significant claims of victory over this relatively minor group, reports indicate substantial displacement among North Sinai’s local communities, with many unable to return home. Furthermore, both Human Rights Watch and the SFHR have documented war crimes committed during this prolonged conflict, which remains unaddressed by Cairo. In a controversial move, the state has also granted amnesty to former Islamic State members following the cessation of active hostilities in the region.
The honoring of Ibrahim Hammad by President Sisi raises critical concerns regarding accountability for war crimes in Egypt’s Sinai region. Human rights organizations, including SFHR and HRW, have reported Hammad’s involvement in executions of civilians, emphasizing the need for justice and the unacceptable message that such crimes go unpunished. This situation highlights the overarching issue of impunity within Egypt’s military actions against insurgent groups and the ongoing plight of displaced communities in North Sinai.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
