An Israel Defence Force (IDF) medic who shot a Palestinian assailant in the head when he was immobilised on the ground last year has been sentenced to a year and a half in prison after being found guilty of manslaughter by a Tel Aviv military court last month.
The landmark ruling against the now 20-year-old Sergeant Elor Azaria marked the first time a member of the IDF had been convicted of the charge in 12 years.
The prosecution had sought a sentence of between three – five years. Azaria, who was given 18 months jail time and 12 months probation for the Hebron crime on Tuesday, had asked beforehand for the judges to “show mercy” to him and his family.
The medic was also demoted to Private.
The case has split Israeli society. There have been several fund raisers and protests in support of Azaria, and high-profile calls for the young recruit to be given a pardon by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Around 100 supporters waited outside the court, continuing to protest the guilty ruling.
His defence team had already said they will appeal the conviction.
More details soon
