KOMPAS.com – An Israeli court acquitted a border police officer who was charged with killing an autistic Palestinian man in Jerusalem three years ago.
In a sentencing hearing held on Thursday (6/7/2023), the court ruled that the officer was defending himself when he shot and killed 32-year-old Eyad Hallaq.
The judge described officers making split-second decisions in dangerous situations.
“This is an integral part of military activity,” the court said, quoted from AP News.
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After the verdict hearing, Hallaq’s mother, Rana left the room crying hysterically.
He emphasized that his son who suffers from autism is a simple and calm person.
“Because he was calm, they killed him. God has another judgment,” said Rana.
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Other legal action efforts
Meanwhile, Hallaq’s father, Khairy, said he was surprised by the acquittal and promised to take other legal action.
“We spent years in court waiting for a decision, but we didn’t expect this shocking decision,” he said.
“We will not allow the killer to go free,” he continued.
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Suffering from autism since 8 years
AFP/JAAFAR ASHTIYEH
Palestinian youths run for cover amid clashes during an Israeli military operation in the city of Jenin in the occupied West Bank, July 3, 2023. Israel has stepped up operations in the northern West Bank, where the city of Jenin and the adjacent refugee camp, strongholds of Palestinian armed groups where there has been a spate of attacks on Israeli citizens as well as attacks by Jewish settlers on Palestinian communities.
Quoted from Middle East EyeHallaq has had severe autism since he was eight years old.
The Hallaq shooting occurred on May 30, 2020 while on his way to a special needs institution.
In an official statement following the killing, Israeli police officers said they had received a warning from the command about armed terrorists entering Jerusalem.
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CCTV footage shows Hallaq near the school, where he turns left and right and looks behind him.
Moments later, four policemen chased him, causing him to panic and run.
Hallaq turned to his teacher for help shouting that he was disabled in both Arabic and Hebrew.
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Hallaq and his teacher, Abu Hadid then entered the warehouse for security, but the officer followed them and fired three shots at Hallaq.
Palestinians and human rights groups have long accused Israeli forces of killing Palestinians under questionable circumstances.
Unfortunately, investigations often end without prosecution or light sentences. In fact, in many cases, witnesses are not summoned or interrogated.
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2023-07-09 00:45:00
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