Hamas rejects "kangaroo court" complaint in Gaza

GAZA, June 17 (Reuters) Palestinian officials from the Western-backed Fatah faction today complained that victorious Hamas fighters in the northern Gaza Strip had subjected four of their supporters to a ''kangaroo court''.

The Islamist Hamas movement rejected the accusation, saying it had amnestied the Fatah fighters, who residents said were presented to a public hearing in the town of Beit Lahiya.

''They brought out the men, including leader Rashed Abu Ajeena, with their hands cuffed. It was very humiliating,'' said an official from Fatah, the secular party led by President Mahmoud Abbas whose forces Hamas routed in Gaza last week.

Sources close to Hamas said some of the four were suspected of killing Hamas members but a decision by the Hamas leadership to offer a general amnesty had spared their lives -- despite anger at attacks on Hamas men in Fatah's West Bank strongholds.

''Islamic morality'' dictated the amnesty, a Hamas statement said, ''despite aggression against the Hamas movement in the West Bank by the leaders of treason''.

Hamas militants had read out ''charges'' to a crowd summoned through loudhailers in Beit Lahiya, residents said. They then issued a statement saying: ''The Qassam Brigades amnestied four defendants charged with involvement in crime and anarchy.'' On Friday, Hamas interrogated and released 10 of the most senior Fatah security chiefs in Gaza.

The Islamist movement has insisted it will install order in the coastal enclave, but faces daunting challenges.

Its new Gaza police chief said 920 common law criminals, including ''dangerous murderers'', were at large after being freed from a Fatah-run prison during last week's fighting.

''In the coming days or weeks all will be re-arrested,'' he said. ''I advise them to turn themselves in. Whoever does so will receive a reduction in his sentence.'' Reuters KN SBA VP0250