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Mother of Slain Italian Activist to Sail to Gaza, Flotilla Change Name in Honor of Vittori by IMEMC

Monday Apr 18th, 2011 3:54 PM Agidea Prata, the mother of Vittorio Arrigoni, the Italian activist and journalist killed in Gaza on Friday, said that she will be sailing to Gaza on May with the Free Gaza flotilla. Prata on Saturday told Italian news sources that “I want to see Gaza that my son loved and sacrificed for, I want to meet the good people living there that my son Vik always talked about”. She added that Vittorio work will go on though his friends.



Vittorio’s mother added that her son received death threats from a right wing American group on their website two years ago because of his photos published online and the pro Palestinian tattoo he has on his shoulder.



Vittorio first came to Gaza with the Free Gaza folitial in 2008 and used to live in a single bedroom house near Gaza City coastline until he was kidnapped and murdered by a radical Salafists group calling itself Mohamed Bin-Mosliemah brigades.



Also on Saturday organizers of the Free Gaza flotilla announced that next voyage to Gaza will be named “ Freedom Flotilla – Stay Human” in Honor of Vittorio Arrigoni.



“The murder of human rights activist, Vittorio Arrigoni, is a tragedy for his family, for those of us who knew him, and for the Palestinians who loved and admired him. The Steering Committee of Freedom Flotilla 2 condemns this senseless murder and the people who are behind it. They took the life of one of the most passionate supporters of justice for Palestine. This murder is damaging to the Palestinian struggle for freedom and justice as well as our work in support of that struggle.” The group said on their website.



Adding that ““Stay Human he would say, then grin and clench his pipe in his teeth. We will do our best, Vik, to carry on the work you have done. The flotilla will return to Gaza in your honor.”



According to the Free Gaza Movement the group will send a new flotilla to Gaza on May. Last year on May 30th Israeli navy attacked the freedom flotilla boats while sailing in international water to Gaza killing 9 aid workers and injuring 54. http://www.imemc.org/article/61083





Monday April 18, 2011 12:31 by Saed Bannoura - IMEMC News Report post



The Palestinian Police in Gaza released pictures and names of three persons believed to be behind the murder of Italian peace activist, Vitorio Arrigoni. The Police stated that evidence against the suspects is solid.



The Palestine Today newspaper reported that the three detained suspects are Mohammad Al Breizat, Bilal Al Omary and Mahmoud Al Salfity. Al Breizat, also known as Mohammad Hassan is a Jordanian national; he is believed to have enter Gaza through a tunnel.



The Al Hayat newspaper, based in London, reported Sunday that five persons are believed to be behind the abduction and murder of Arrigoni.



According to the paper, the suspects are members of three Salafist groups that carry the ideology of Al Qaida; Tawhid and Jihad, The Army Of Islam and Jaljalat. The three groups are also sworn enemies to the Hamas movement in Gaza as they believe the movement does not implement the “teachings of Islam”.



Following the murder of Arrigoni, the Hamas-controlled security forces closed all tunnels along the border with Egypt in an attempt to prevent the suspects from fleeing out of Gaza.



Members of extremist Salafist groups in Gaza are in the hundreds. Palestinian security forces in Gaza conducted massive arrests targeting Salafist extremists.



Although Salafist groups claimed to have no relation to the abduction and the murder of Arrigoni, one of the groups released a video on Youtube showing the captive sodality activist in the hands of his captures, and demanding the release of some of their leaders, including Abu Al Waleed Al Maqdisi, who was arrested by Hamas two months ago.



The Saudi-based Middle East Newspaper, reported that a Salafist leader admitted that Salafist fighters were behind the abduction and the murder of Arrigoni, but claimed that they acted one their own, without the knowledge of their superiors.



Abu Al Bara’ Al Masry, one of the known Salafist leaders in Gaza said that 3 members of the Tawhid and Jihad group abducted and killed Arrigoni without consulting with their Emirs who, according to Al Masry, were surprised of what happened and declared they had nothing to do with the issue.



Meanwhile, Abu Hamza Al Mohajir, a Salafist leader in Gaza, accused affiliates of Abu Al Waleed Al Maqdisi of abducting and killing Arrigoni, but also stressed that Hamas must release all detained members and leaders of the Salafist groups in order to ensure similar event do not happen again.



He said that hundreds of members and leaders are still detained by Hamas, including Abu Al Waleed Al Maqdisi, Abu Al Mo’tasim Al Maqdisi, and Abu Hamza Al Maqdisi.



A Hamas leader accused non-Palestinian groups of conducting the murder and told Al Hayat newspaper that “Israel is not innocent as this murder is a message to solidarity activists that Gaza is not safe, and an attempt to show Gaza as the new hub for international terror that must be countered”.



The leader added that the kidnappers never intended to conduct a prisoner swap or negotiate the release of Arrigoni as they did not even wait for their own 30-hour deadline.



Arrigoni was a member of International Solidarity Movement (ISM). The ISM said that for the past two years, Vittorio was in the Gaza Strip, monitoring human rights violations carried out by Israel, supporting the popular resistance against the occupation and reporting to his home country, Italy.



The slain human rights defender and journalist worked actively for the Palestinian cause for the past 10 years.



http://www.imemc.org/article/61079



P.A Police Arrests Suspects Believed To Be Behind Arrigoni’s MurderMonday April 18, 2011 12:31 by Saed Bannoura - IMEMC News Report postThe Palestinian Police in Gaza released pictures and names of three persons believed to be behind the murder of Italian peace activist, Vitorio Arrigoni. The Police stated that evidence against the suspects is solid.The Palestine Today newspaper reported that the three detained suspects are Mohammad Al Breizat, Bilal Al Omary and Mahmoud Al Salfity. Al Breizat, also known as Mohammad Hassan is a Jordanian national; he is believed to have enter Gaza through a tunnel.The Al Hayat newspaper, based in London, reported Sunday that five persons are believed to be behind the abduction and murder of Arrigoni.According to the paper, the suspects are members of three Salafist groups that carry the ideology of Al Qaida; Tawhid and Jihad, The Army Of Islam and Jaljalat. The three groups are also sworn enemies to the Hamas movement in Gaza as they believe the movement does not implement the “teachings of Islam”.Following the murder of Arrigoni, the Hamas-controlled security forces closed all tunnels along the border with Egypt in an attempt to prevent the suspects from fleeing out of Gaza.Members of extremist Salafist groups in Gaza are in the hundreds. Palestinian security forces in Gaza conducted massive arrests targeting Salafist extremists.Although Salafist groups claimed to have no relation to the abduction and the murder of Arrigoni, one of the groups released a video on Youtube showing the captive sodality activist in the hands of his captures, and demanding the release of some of their leaders, including Abu Al Waleed Al Maqdisi, who was arrested by Hamas two months ago.The Saudi-based Middle East Newspaper, reported that a Salafist leader admitted that Salafist fighters were behind the abduction and the murder of Arrigoni, but claimed that they acted one their own, without the knowledge of their superiors.Abu Al Bara’ Al Masry, one of the known Salafist leaders in Gaza said that 3 members of the Tawhid and Jihad group abducted and killed Arrigoni without consulting with their Emirs who, according to Al Masry, were surprised of what happened and declared they had nothing to do with the issue.Meanwhile, Abu Hamza Al Mohajir, a Salafist leader in Gaza, accused affiliates of Abu Al Waleed Al Maqdisi of abducting and killing Arrigoni, but also stressed that Hamas must release all detained members and leaders of the Salafist groups in order to ensure similar event do not happen again.He said that hundreds of members and leaders are still detained by Hamas, including Abu Al Waleed Al Maqdisi, Abu Al Mo’tasim Al Maqdisi, and Abu Hamza Al Maqdisi.A Hamas leader accused non-Palestinian groups of conducting the murder and told Al Hayat newspaper that “Israel is not innocent as this murder is a message to solidarity activists that Gaza is not safe, and an attempt to show Gaza as the new hub for international terror that must be countered”.The leader added that the kidnappers never intended to conduct a prisoner swap or negotiate the release of Arrigoni as they did not even wait for their own 30-hour deadline.Arrigoni was a member of International Solidarity Movement (ISM). The ISM said that for the past two years, Vittorio was in the Gaza Strip, monitoring human rights violations carried out by Israel, supporting the popular resistance against the occupation and reporting to his home country, Italy.The slain human rights defender and journalist worked actively for the Palestinian cause for the past 10 years.





Saturday April 16, 2011 05:59 by Saed Bannoura - IMEMC & Agencies Report post



On Friday, the Prime Minister of the dissolved Government in the Gaza Strip, Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyya, phoned the mother of slain Italian activist and Palestine Solidarity Movement member, Vittorio Arrigoni. He expressed his sincere condolences and the condolences of the Palestinian people, and vowed to apprehend and prosecute the murderers.



Haniyya stated that the first moments after Arrigoni’s abduction, the government started investigating the issue and demanded that the kidnappers should ensure his safe and swift release. He added that the kidnappers killed Vittorio even before the deadline they set had ended, which indicates that it was their intention to commit murderrather than to negotiate.



During his phone conversation with Vittorio’s mother, Haniyya said that the government is doing all it can to apprehend the murderers and try them as soon as possible.



The phone call was conducted during an urgent government meeting to discuss the murder of Vittorio. Haniyya affirmed that Gaza is safe for everybody, residents and guests.



Following the government session, Haniyya read a statement in which he said that the crime was committed while Gaza was facing the possibility of further Israel aggression, but that the Palestinians were enjoying internal security.



“This crime is meant to harm the Palestinian people and their struggle”, Haniyya said, “This crime has nothing to do with the Palestinian people, their morals, and their religion”.



He also stated that the Palestinian people have always welcomed guests and supporters, hosted them in their homes and treated them like members of their own families.



Haniyya affirmed that the government and the security forces are conducting thorough investigations in an attempt to apprehend the killers.



The security forces managed to apprehend suspects believed to be involved in the issue hours after the crime took place, but that further investigations are ongoing in order to ensure that all related assailants are apprehended.



The Gaza Prime Minister called on all media agencies to be accurate and fair in their coverage of the events and not to jump into unbalanced, nonfactual conclusions.



Haniyya vowed that Gaza will have a street named after Vittorio to honor his memory, his love of Palestine, the Palestinian people and his support for their legitimate struggle for liberation and independence.



He said that the government in Gaza reaffirms its supports and protection to all international campaigns against the illegal Israeli siege, all solidarity activists and visitors.



The government will hold an official funeral ceremony for the slain human rights activist, while an official delegation along with a civil society delegation will be heading to Rome to provide their condolences to the family and friends of Vittorio.



http://www.imemc.org/article/61073



Haniyya Phones Arrigoni’s Mother To Express CondolencesSaturday April 16, 2011 05:59 by Saed Bannoura - IMEMC & Agencies Report postOn Friday, the Prime Minister of the dissolved Government in the Gaza Strip, Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyya, phoned the mother of slain Italian activist and Palestine Solidarity Movement member, Vittorio Arrigoni. He expressed his sincere condolences and the condolences of the Palestinian people, and vowed to apprehend and prosecute the murderers.Haniyya stated that the first moments after Arrigoni’s abduction, the government started investigating the issue and demanded that the kidnappers should ensure his safe and swift release. He added that the kidnappers killed Vittorio even before the deadline they set had ended, which indicates that it was their intention to commit murderrather than to negotiate.During his phone conversation with Vittorio’s mother, Haniyya said that the government is doing all it can to apprehend the murderers and try them as soon as possible.The phone call was conducted during an urgent government meeting to discuss the murder of Vittorio. Haniyya affirmed that Gaza is safe for everybody, residents and guests.Following the government session, Haniyya read a statement in which he said that the crime was committed while Gaza was facing the possibility of further Israel aggression, but that the Palestinians were enjoying internal security.“This crime is meant to harm the Palestinian people and their struggle”, Haniyya said, “This crime has nothing to do with the Palestinian people, their morals, and their religion”.He also stated that the Palestinian people have always welcomed guests and supporters, hosted them in their homes and treated them like members of their own families.Haniyya affirmed that the government and the security forces are conducting thorough investigations in an attempt to apprehend the killers.The security forces managed to apprehend suspects believed to be involved in the issue hours after the crime took place, but that further investigations are ongoing in order to ensure that all related assailants are apprehended.The Gaza Prime Minister called on all media agencies to be accurate and fair in their coverage of the events and not to jump into unbalanced, nonfactual conclusions.Haniyya vowed that Gaza will have a street named after Vittorio to honor his memory, his love of Palestine, the Palestinian people and his support for their legitimate struggle for liberation and independence.He said that the government in Gaza reaffirms its supports and protection to all international campaigns against the illegal Israeli siege, all solidarity activists and visitors.The government will hold an official funeral ceremony for the slain human rights activist, while an official delegation along with a civil society delegation will be heading to Rome to provide their condolences to the family and friends of Vittorio.





Saturday April 16, 2011 03:41 by Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) Report post



With great shock and sorrow, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) condemns the murder of Italian activist, Vittorio Arrigoni. On Friday morning, 15 April 2011, Vittorio’s body was found in an abandoned house in the north of the Gaza Strip, following his murder at the hands of kidnappers.



The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR), and its entire staff, gravely condemns this crime, which targets our inherent human dignity, and the values and traditions of the lawful struggle for freedom and justice. It is this human struggle which connects Gazan’s – locked behind the closed door of the Gaza Strip – with the outside world, and inspires countless individuals to stand as human rights defenders.



PCHR calls upon the government in Gaza to prosecute the perpetrators. Furthermore, all necessary measures must be taken to secure the safety of international activists in the Gaza Strip.



According to investigations conducted by PCHR, on Thursday evening, 14 April 2011, a group named "Group of the Companion Mohammed Bin Maslamah" announced the kidnapping of the Italian journalist, Vittorio Arrigoni, 36, a prominent member of the International Solidarity Movement (ISM) and a human rights defender.



In a video posted on the Youtube website, the group demanded the release of detained members of the group, affiliates of the so-called "Salafist Jihadist Group". The kidnappers threatened to kill Arrigoni if the government in Gaza did not meet their demands within 30 hours.



In a grave development, contrary to fundamental values shared by all Palestinians, the group carried out their threat. On Friday morning, 15 April 2011, security services found the body of Arrigoni in a house located in the 'Amer project area, west of al-Karamah building in the west of Jabalia, north of the Gaza Strip. In his testimony, a PCHR staff-member reported signs of beating on the victim's face, signs of handcuffs on his hands, and signs of strangulation around his neck.



The Ministry of Interior in Gaza issued a press release on Friday, condemning this heinous crime. It declared the arrest of two members of the group and the continued search for others.



Arrigoni had worked in Gaza since 2008, when he arrived on board the "Free Gaza" flotilla, organized to break the closure imposed on the Gaza Strip.



He devoted himself to the defense of Palestinians' rights, and participated in a number of activities against the closure, against violations committed by Israeli Forces against Palestinian civilians, particularly fishermen, and against the Israeli decision to impose a ‘buffer zone’ in the Gaza Strip.



He was arrested by Israel forces on18 November 2008, while he was accompanying a number of fishermen off the shores of Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip. However, he returned to Gaza a few months later via Rafah International Crossing.



Arrigoni was also in the West Bank for a few years before coming to Gaza. He has been known for his activity with the International Solidarity Movement.



PCHR reiterates its condemnation of this heinous crime, and:



1. Calls upon the government in Gaza to conduct an effective and prompt investigation to identify the circumstances of the crime, prosecute the perpetrators, and publish the investigations' results;



2. Appreciates the role played by the International Solidarity Movement and other human rights defenders in the occupied Palestinian territory;



3. Calls upon the international community, political powers and Palestinian people to condemn this crime and organize peaceful activities against it.



http://www.imemc.org/article/61071



With Great Shock and Sorrow, PCHR Condemns Murder of Italian Activist, Vittorio ArrigoniSaturday April 16, 2011 03:41 by Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) Report postWith great shock and sorrow, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) condemns the murder of Italian activist, Vittorio Arrigoni. On Friday morning, 15 April 2011, Vittorio’s body was found in an abandoned house in the north of the Gaza Strip, following his murder at the hands of kidnappers.The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR), and its entire staff, gravely condemns this crime, which targets our inherent human dignity, and the values and traditions of the lawful struggle for freedom and justice. It is this human struggle which connects Gazan’s – locked behind the closed door of the Gaza Strip – with the outside world, and inspires countless individuals to stand as human rights defenders.PCHR calls upon the government in Gaza to prosecute the perpetrators. Furthermore, all necessary measures must be taken to secure the safety of international activists in the Gaza Strip.According to investigations conducted by PCHR, on Thursday evening, 14 April 2011, a group named "Group of the Companion Mohammed Bin Maslamah" announced the kidnapping of the Italian journalist, Vittorio Arrigoni, 36, a prominent member of the International Solidarity Movement (ISM) and a human rights defender.In a video posted on the Youtube website, the group demanded the release of detained members of the group, affiliates of the so-called "Salafist Jihadist Group". The kidnappers threatened to kill Arrigoni if the government in Gaza did not meet their demands within 30 hours.In a grave development, contrary to fundamental values shared by all Palestinians, the group carried out their threat. On Friday morning, 15 April 2011, security services found the body of Arrigoni in a house located in the 'Amer project area, west of al-Karamah building in the west of Jabalia, north of the Gaza Strip. In his testimony, a PCHR staff-member reported signs of beating on the victim's face, signs of handcuffs on his hands, and signs of strangulation around his neck.The Ministry of Interior in Gaza issued a press release on Friday, condemning this heinous crime. It declared the arrest of two members of the group and the continued search for others.Arrigoni had worked in Gaza since 2008, when he arrived on board the "Free Gaza" flotilla, organized to break the closure imposed on the Gaza Strip.He devoted himself to the defense of Palestinians' rights, and participated in a number of activities against the closure, against violations committed by Israeli Forces against Palestinian civilians, particularly fishermen, and against the Israeli decision to impose a ‘buffer zone’ in the Gaza Strip.He was arrested by Israel forces on18 November 2008, while he was accompanying a number of fishermen off the shores of Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip. However, he returned to Gaza a few months later via Rafah International Crossing.Arrigoni was also in the West Bank for a few years before coming to Gaza. He has been known for his activity with the International Solidarity Movement.PCHR reiterates its condemnation of this heinous crime, and:1. Calls upon the government in Gaza to conduct an effective and prompt investigation to identify the circumstances of the crime, prosecute the perpetrators, and publish the investigations' results;2. Appreciates the role played by the International Solidarity Movement and other human rights defenders in the occupied Palestinian territory;3. Calls upon the international community, political powers and Palestinian people to condemn this crime and organize peaceful activities against it.





Friday April 15, 2011 11:08 by Saed Bannoura - IMEMC News Report post



The Tawhid and Jihad fundamentalist Salafist group in Gaza, claimed it has no connection with the murder of Italian peace activist, Vittorio Arriogoni, whose body was found hanged on Friday at dawn.



The group published a statement on the internet claiming that it had no connection with the death of Arrigoni, yet stated that what happened is “a natural outcome of the practices of the Hamas-led government against Salafist groups in Gaza”.



The body of Arriogoni was found in an area, north-west of Gaza city.

The group, or an affiliated group, initially published a video on YouTube of Arrigoni before he was murdered.



Arriogoni entered Gaza with an aid convoy in 2008, and showed utmost passion to the Palestinians and their struggle against the Israeli occupation.



He was one of a few international reporters and activists who were in Gaza during Israeli Cast Lead offensive in late December 2009, especially since Israel prevented foreign reporters from entering the besieged enclave.



The Hamas movement in Gaza strongly denounced that killing of the Italian activist and described it as a shameful and a dangerous terrorist attack.



Hamas spokesperson, Fawzi Barhoum, stated in a press release on Friday morning that the group behind the murder is acting on creating chaos and insecurity in the streets of Gaza, and accused it of attempting to sabotage the strong ties between the Palestinian people and their supporters around the world.



Barhoum stated that this outlawed group is acting in accordance with the enemies of the Palestinian people and their cause.



The International Solidarity Movement, ISM, expressed shock and deep sadness after hearing the news of Arrigoni’s murder. The ISM described Arrigoni as an inspiring activist and a generous soul.



The Tawhid and Jihad Salafist fundamentalist group has Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, as one of its main sworn enemies, and went into several gun battles with Hamas fighters and members of the Hamas-led security forces in Gaza.



The group is responsible for several previous abductions and for killing Hamas fighters in the Gaza Strip.



In its video, the group demanded Hamas, and Prime Minister of the dissolved government in Gaza Ismail Haniyya, to release all “mujahedin held in Gaza jails” in exchange for releasing the activist.



In August 2009, Hamas’ security forces cracked down of Salafist extremist groups in Gaza and killed 26 members of the group and its leader.



The group also blasted the car of a Hamas leader outside of his home in Gaza. Its members are also believed responsible for several bombings of internet coffee shops in Gaza.



The Salafists believe that Hamas failed to impose Islamic law in the Gaza Strip and blamed the group for maintaining a ceasefire with Israel.



http://www.imemc.org/article/61068



Salafist Group Claims No connection With Murder Of Italian ActivistFriday April 15, 2011 11:08 by Saed Bannoura - IMEMC News Report postThe Tawhid and Jihad fundamentalist Salafist group in Gaza, claimed it has no connection with the murder of Italian peace activist, Vittorio Arriogoni, whose body was found hanged on Friday at dawn.The group published a statement on the internet claiming that it had no connection with the death of Arrigoni, yet stated that what happened is “a natural outcome of the practices of the Hamas-led government against Salafist groups in Gaza”.The body of Arriogoni was found in an area, north-west of Gaza city.The group, or an affiliated group, initially published a video on YouTube of Arrigoni before he was murdered.Arriogoni entered Gaza with an aid convoy in 2008, and showed utmost passion to the Palestinians and their struggle against the Israeli occupation.He was one of a few international reporters and activists who were in Gaza during Israeli Cast Lead offensive in late December 2009, especially since Israel prevented foreign reporters from entering the besieged enclave.The Hamas movement in Gaza strongly denounced that killing of the Italian activist and described it as a shameful and a dangerous terrorist attack.Hamas spokesperson, Fawzi Barhoum, stated in a press release on Friday morning that the group behind the murder is acting on creating chaos and insecurity in the streets of Gaza, and accused it of attempting to sabotage the strong ties between the Palestinian people and their supporters around the world.Barhoum stated that this outlawed group is acting in accordance with the enemies of the Palestinian people and their cause.The International Solidarity Movement, ISM, expressed shock and deep sadness after hearing the news of Arrigoni’s murder. The ISM described Arrigoni as an inspiring activist and a generous soul.The Tawhid and Jihad Salafist fundamentalist group has Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, as one of its main sworn enemies, and went into several gun battles with Hamas fighters and members of the Hamas-led security forces in Gaza.The group is responsible for several previous abductions and for killing Hamas fighters in the Gaza Strip.In its video, the group demanded Hamas, and Prime Minister of the dissolved government in Gaza Ismail Haniyya, to release all “mujahedin held in Gaza jails” in exchange for releasing the activist.In August 2009, Hamas’ security forces cracked down of Salafist extremist groups in Gaza and killed 26 members of the group and its leader.The group also blasted the car of a Hamas leader outside of his home in Gaza. Its members are also believed responsible for several bombings of internet coffee shops in Gaza.The Salafists believe that Hamas failed to impose Islamic law in the Gaza Strip and blamed the group for maintaining a ceasefire with Israel.