iStock/Thinkstock(JERUSALEM) — An Israeli soldier was convicted of manslaughter Wednesday in the shooting of a wounded Palestinian assailant — the first time a military court has found an Israeli Defense Forces soldier guilty of that crime in 11 years.
Sgt. Elor Azaria smiled as he received applause upon entering the courtroom, but the proceeding grew tense as the judge, Col. Maya Heller, refuted the defense’s claims that Azaria shot the assailant in self-defense.
The judge dismissed the evidence presented by the defense point-by-point, thoroughly and at great length.
After two and a half hours, Heller said that beyond a reasonable doubt, Azaria shot the Palestinian because he thought he “deserves to die.”
Azaria is expected to appeal the decision.
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