The main suspect that was tried in the case, the lynching and heinous murder of Jerusalem 16-year-old Arab teen Abu Khadir was sentenced to life imprisonment on Thursday, 25 Shevat and the second suspect, also a minor, was sentenced to 21-years imprisonment. The mother of the victim shouted “They will be out in just 10 years” as she cried in the courtroom.

The Jerusalem District Court handed down the sentences for the murder that occurred in July 2014. The 17-year-old defendant, who played the major role in the murder, which included setting the teen on fire while still alive, was sentenced to life imprisonment. The second defendant, 16, whose role was minor, received the lesser sentence. The court accepted the prosecution’s request, seeking life imprisonment even though the defendant is a minor due to the heinous nature of the crime.

The adult defendant, Yosef Chaim Ben-David, 29, from Geva Binyamin, has yet to be charged due to issues surrounding his psychological state.

The victim’s father told the media “we do not accept the sentence of one of the teens”, questioning why he too did not receive life imprisonment. The family is also calling to demolish the homes of the killers’ families, insisting “If there is no apartheid and racism then their homes will be destroyed” adding when a 14-year-old Arab murders a Jew, he is sentenced to life imprisonment.

Photos: The courthouse as the sentences were handed down.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem / Photos: Media Resource Group)