Hamas govt: Salafists can apply for official status
Published yesterday (updated) 13/10/2012 20:47
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=528477

GAZA CITY (Ma’an) – The Hamas-run government in the Gaza Strip will not
oppose the establishment of any new political party as long as the process
is carried out according to Palestinian law, an interior ministry spokesman
said Saturday.

Islam Shahwan asserted in a statement that freedom of expression and the
right to establish political parties and other organizations is guaranteed
for everybody.

Shahwan highlighted that the Hamas government asked founders of the Salafist
new Al-Nur party to submit an official application to the ministry before
they announce their party.

“We met today with the founders of the Salafist An-Nur party and briefed
them about legal procedures they have to follow before they officially
announce their party,” added Shahwan.

The Salafist movement in Gaza announced last Monday the creation of a new
political party to be called An-Nur party (party of light). They said the
party would begin officially operating on Thursday after a news conference
to announce its creation. The party will work towards implementing Sharia
law in order to improve people's lives, they added.