[VIDEO AND PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

An Arab photographer who works with the left-wing B’Tselem human rights organization testified for the prosecution in the manslaughter trial of IDF soldier Elor Azariya on Wednesday, 2 Sivan. Azariya is the soldier who shot a wounded terrorist dead after the terrorist stabbed and IDF soldier in Hebron on Purim. In his testimony, the photographer insists the video presented to the court is unedited.

The photographer, Imad Abu Shamsaye and two Arabic volunteers who work with B’Tselem gave testimony against the soldier in the military court. As this took place, a small group of supporters of Azariya maintained a vigil outside, decrying the fact the Arabs who work with B’Tselem are permitted to testify against an IDF soldier. Imad was brought into the courthouse under heavy police guard. He explained “I heard gunshots and quickly ran out of my house with my camera. When I got to the street I saw a guy on the ground wearing a jacket. I heard another sound. I directed my camera towards that noise and began to shoot”.

The defense lawyer addressed the fact that the camera’s memory card was in many hands before being turned over to authorities, hinting there is doubt as to the unedited integrity of the video. However, Imad insisted the video was original but the defense counsel told the court no one can know for certain. Defense counsel also questioned why his other video had sound and mysteriously this video was silent. Imad explained that it might be because he was moving around and because he was a greater distance away and the sound did not carry.

When asked why he did not simply continue videoing, one continuous video, Imad said “I video and if there is no change in the event, why continue to video? I do not shut off the camera and during this incident, I videoed 20 seconds and then move to another direction”.

Photo: The photographer who gave testimony today, Wednesday 2 Sivan. The other photos show supporters outside the courthouse.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo: חדשות השואגים לימין via Media Resource Group)