IDF soldier who shot wounded terrorist appeals conviction

IDF Sgt. Elor Azaria is appealing his conviction and sentencing. 

IDF Sgt. Elor Azaria, who was sentenced last week by a military court to 18 months in prison after finding him guilty of manslaughter in January, is appealing his conviction and sentencing.

Last March, Azaria, a combat medic stationed in Hebron, shot a neutralized terrorist in the head as he lay wounded on the ground after committing a stabbing attack against the soldier’s colleagues.

The defense maintained Azaria felt his life was in danger, saying he thought the terrorist could have been carrying a bomb on his body. The prosecution insisted Azaria’s action was unlawful and an act of vengeance, noting the terrorist died of gunshot wounds rather than injuries sustained during the attack.

Three of Azaria’s attorneys who have represented him over the past year dropped his case, and Azaria has enlisted the services of Yoram Sheftel, one of Israel’s famous legalists.

The resigning attorneys said they would have suggested another course of action, but support Azaria’s family’s quest to appeal the conviction, which they agree is wrong.

Azaria is slated to begin serving his term on Sunday, but his defense has requested a deferral until the court appeal.

By: Aryeh Savir, World Israel News