Israeli Guard Cleared In Palestinian Boy's Death

[Purveyor]

JERUSALEM (AP) -- An Israeli court cleared a border policeman Wednesday in the shooting the death of a 10-year-old Palestinian boy in July 2008 during a demonstration where youths were hurling rocks at security forces.

Judge Liora Frenkel said the Israeli officer, Omri Abu, violated rules of engagement by opening fire at protesters in the West Bank village of Naalin even though he was not in danger.

But she said the prosecution did not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a bullet from Abu's rifle struck Ahmed Moussa in the forehead, killing him.

Frenkel said Palestinian witnesses gave contradictory accounts, and district police conducted a flawed investigation. The ruling said Israeli officials were not allowed access to the body.

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http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/ML_ISRAEL_PALESTINIANS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2012-10-31-13-38-25

[mitchtv]

1. I'm stunned n/t

[oberliner]

2. Why didn't the Palestinian side allow access to the body?

That seems to have made it difficult to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.

The judge made note of this in her ruling.

[Violet_Crumble]

3. There's a very low rate of convictions for violence against Palestinians...

I wonder if he'll be punished at all for opening fire on protesters even though he wasn't in danger.

[Purveyor]

4. I'd rather guess he'll get a 'special accommodation' for his heroic acts. eom