Sixteen-year-old Hussein Jawadra from Jenin, who murdered Israel Defense Forces Cpl. Eden Atias, 18, in a terror attack in Afula on Nov. 13, was indicted Thursday.
Jawadra stands accused of committing nationalistically motivated murder. According to Israeli television reports, he was brought into the military court hearing his case under heavy guard, as several death threats have been made against him.
Atias was murdered aboard the 823 Egged bus from Nazareth Illit to Tel Aviv. According to the indictment, Jawadra crept up on the sleeping soldier from behind, placed his hand on Atias’ mouth to keep him from yelling for help, and slit his throat.
According to the television report, the indictment cited eyewitness accounts saying Atias had tried to fight his assailant but to no avail.
Walking into the courtroom, which was crowded with Atias’ family and friends, Jawadra said, “I have absolutely no regrets.”
His parents, who also attended the hearing, stated he had acted independently.
“My son has no political affiliation, and he has never expressed any interest in politics. The financial situation can sometimes drive people crazy,” Jawadra’s father told the court. He further insisted that “no one had asked [Hussein] to execute and attack or demanded he do any such thing.”
Sarit Levy, Atias’ aunt, told reporters that the family “hopes they reinstate the death penalty. Anyone who takes a life should pay for it with his own life.”
For the original article, visit israelhayom.com.
