AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

Public Statement

AI Index: ASA 20/025/2006 (Public)

News Service No: 233

8 September 2006

India: Amnesty International condemns multiple bomb attacks in Malegaon, Maharashtra

Amnesty International condemns in the strongest possible terms the multiple bombings that took place on Friday, 8 September at Malegaon in the Western Indian state of Maharashtra, claiming at least 30 lives and injuring more than 50 others.

Amnesty International’s thoughts and sympathies are with the victims of these senseless attacks, which, according to reports, have taken place close to two crowded spots -- a place of worship and a market -- in Malegaon town this afternoon.

The reports say that following the bombings a curfew has been clamped in the town areas to curtail possible spreading of communal violence.

Amnesty International is dismayed by the fact that targeting people going about their daily business shows a complete contempt for the most fundamental principles of humanity.

Those responsible must be brought to justice in proceedings that meet international standards of fairness, and without the imposition of the death penalty.