Document - United Kingdom: Amnesty International condemns bomb attacks in London

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

PRESS RELEASE

News Flash

AI Index: EUR 45/020/2005 (Public)

News Service No: 184

7 July 2005

United Kingdom: Amnesty International condemns bomb attacks in London

Amnesty International condemns in the strongest possible terms the multiple bombings that have claimed an unconfirmed number of lives and seriously injured many more people in London today. Explosions have been reported at six Underground stations and on one bus.

"Our thoughts and sympathy are first and foremost with those who have become the victims of senseless violence this morning," said Irene Khan, Secretary General of Amnesty International.

"At this moment, more than ever, we must overcome fear with hope, inertia with action and indifference with solidarity. Our common vulnerability makes us all a part of this tragedy, but our common humanity and conviction in human rights must convert the sense of fear into solidarity and action."

Deliberately attacking civilians can never be justified. Targeting commuters going about their daily business shows complete contempt for the most fundamental principles of humanity. To the extent that these bombings are part of a widespread attack on the civilian population of the United Kingdom in furtherance of an organization's policy, they would constitute a crime against humanity.

These attacks must stop. Those responsible must be brought to justice in proceedings which meet international standards.

Public Document

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