fbpx

News

Report: Prosecution wants 3-5 year sentence for soldier convicted of manslaughter

[ssba]

An Israeli media report claimed yesterday that prosecutors will request a three to five-year prison sentence for a soldier convicted of manslaughter after he shot dead a wounded Palestinian assailant.

Channel Two said prosecutors are likely to request that Elor Azaria serve a prison sentence for between three and five years at a hearing this coming Tuesday. Azaria’s mother reportedly collapsed on hearing the report and required medical treatment.

Earlier this month, a military court found Azaria guilty of manslaughter after he killed an incapacitated Palestinian assailant in the West Bank city of Hebron in March. Azaria’s defence team have pledged to launch an appeal and several people supporting Azaria’s case, including prominent political leaders, have called for him to be pardoned.

In recent weeks commentators have voiced their criticism in what they see as the politicisation of the trial . Yediot Ahronot’s senior columnist Nahum Barnea said politicians who “jumped in” on Azaria’s behalf have made the process far more complex, which has ultimately not helped Azaria.

The case sparked intense and often bitter public debate during its proceedings and has continued to stir strong emotions following the verdict. Two people were arrested in the aftermath of the ruling for threatening violence against the judges who convicted Azaria via social media.

The Channel Two report says that the prosecutors’ request will be influenced by several factors. On the one hand, Azaria’s exemplary military record up until the shooting and the complex environment of Hebron. On the other hand, Azaria’s refusal to show contrition or to admit wrongdoing over the incident.

In a recording broadcast by Israeli media soon after the verdict, Col. Guy Hazut, commander of the Kfir Brigade in which Azaria serves, encouraged Azaria to show remorse and for his family to work with the prosecution in order to minimise his sentence.