Hamas releases senior Fatah sympathizer

Source: AP, 25-12-2007
Suleiman Abu Samhadana was arrested in July, weeks after Hamas routed the rival Fatah movement and seized power. Abu Samhadana, a Fatah sympathizer, was charged embezzlement.
The Hamas-controlled Interior Ministry said Abu Samhadana was freed on Monday. It said he paid a $100,000 fine, and turned over a deed to two acres of property as bail. In addition, two relatives promised to pay $200,000 each if he flees Gaza.
A court date was not immediately set, and Abu Samhadana declined to speak to reporters after returning home.
Abu Samhadana was the first of dozens of senior government officials, judges and prosecutors taken for questionning by Hamas after it assumed control of a loose security situation in Gaza. Most of the officials were released within days, although they lost their jobs and were replaced by Hamas sympathizers.