The IDF Appeals Court knocks over most of Hebron soldier’s claims

The IDF Appeals Court’s arguments on two appeals in the case of the Hebron soldier are still being read out and a decision is awaited. In sum, the panel has rejected point by point the substance of the appeal filed by the soldier, Elor Azariya, against his conviction of manslaughter for shooting a wounded Palestinian terrorist in Hebron last year and his 18-month jail sentence. Also before the court is the prosecution’s appeal against the leniency of the sentence. The judges found no fault with the evidence which led to Azariya’s conviction and rejected his claim that he shot the injured Palestinian terrorist dead because he feared he was still dangerous. The court accepted the testimony offered in the trial by Azaria’s comrade, who heard him say: “He stabbed my friend and deserves to die.” The court’s decision is awaited.