Last update - 00:00 06/03/2007
Policeman who killed Israeli Arab to stand trial for manslaughter
By Yoav Stern, Haaretz Correspondent
The police officer who last July shot dead an Israeli Arab youth in Pardes Hannah will stand trial for manslaughter, the Justice Ministry said Tuesday.
The officer, S.M., shot Mahmoud Abu Satah Ganaim, 24, who was suspected at the time of breaking into a vehicle. The officer initially claimed to have opened fire out of self defense, but his version of events has been seen as problematic.
The Justice Ministry told Haaretz on Tuesday that the Haifa District Attorney had made the decision to try the officer, adding that changes could be made to the charge after the hearing.
Defense attorney Zion Amir and the family of the victim have been notified of the court's decision. Amir also represents President Moshe Katsav.
The victim's family said Tuesday that it would not be satisfied with charges of manslaughter. "The officer fired so that the gun would kill. He fired without advanced warning. This is deliberate murder," Jaya Ganaim, the victim's uncle said. He added that the family did not understand why the officer was allowed to continue to serve in his position after the event.
"This is a prize for the officer, and it is a sign for other officers that nothing will happen to them if they shoot Arabs," he added.