German broadcaster says Hamas tortured cameraman

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2008

BERLIN (AFP) — German public broadcaster ARD said Thursday that Hamas-run security forces had tortured one of its cameramen working in Gaza while he was in their custody.

The head of ARD's Tel Aviv bureau, Richard C. Schneider, told German radio that Sawah Abu Saif, who was released overnight after being held for five days, had been badgered for information about the network's reporting in the region.

"He was tortured during his detention," he said. "We was questioned about the work of ARD. They wanted to know everything about the staff and correspondents and why ARD reported so much negative news about Hamas."

Schneider said Saif had been told that he would remain under surveillance after his release and that the cameraman was afraid of further...