Soldiers who kill terrorists innocent until proven guilty – Lieberman

Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman referred Monday to Elor Azaria, who is on trial for shooting dead a prone terrorist in Hebron, and the Kfir Brigade soldier who faces a manslaughter charge.  “They are guilty only after a conviction by court. Until then, they are innocent,” he said, adding: “You can’t send a soldier out on a mission with a lawyer at his side.” 

“I told Azaria to shoot the terrorist if he moved,” said the soldier’s commanding officer, the first to speak in his defense at a military court Monday. “He looked over-padded and I warned against an explosive device or other trap.” The officer’s testimony ran contrary to that offered by his superior officers, who were not at the scene when when Azaria shot a Palestinian, who was wounded while stabbing Israeli soldiers on guard.