Thursday, May 20, 2004

The New York Times > International > Middle East > Top Arafat Aide Convicted by Israelis on Murder Charges:
"Mr. Barghouti was accused of planning assaults that killed a total of 26 people, but the court acquitted him of charges relating to 21 slayings, saying there was 'no evidence the defendant knew of the intention to carry them out.'

He was also found guilty on one count of attempted murder relating to a failed car bomb attack. He is to be sentenced on June 6. The prosecution demanded that Mr. Barghouti, 44, be sentenced to life imprisonment for each of the five killings.

He remained defiant as the court in Tel Aviv prepared to announce its verdict. As he was led across an enclosed yard near the courtroom he raised his manacled hands aloft in a V-for-victory sign. And, once in the courtroom, Mr. Barghouti, bearded and wearing a brown prison uniform, again raised his hands, shouting in Arabic: 'This is a court of occupation that I do not accept!' according to Reuters. "

But Mr. Barghouti insisted that "in principle I am against killing innocents on either side."

The convictions came on the third day of a major Israeli incursion into the Gaza Strip that has claimed around 40 lives among Palestinians. No Israeli losses have been reported.

"In four years just one suicide bomber has come from there, so what is Israel doing in Gaza?" Mr. Barghouti asked in court today. Then, referring to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon of Israel, he said, "If Sharon leaves Gaza, the entire situation will change."

Israel says the incursion, backed by tanks and helicopter gunships, is designed to sever clandestine routes for weapons smuggled into Gaza from Egypt through tunnels.

Despite an incident on Wednesday that drew international protests when Palestinian civilians were killed by tank fire, Israeli troops penetrated farther into the Rafah refugee camp today. Seven more Palestinians were reported killed and several buildings were demolished.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/20/international/middleeast/20CND-TRIA.html?pagewanted=all&position=

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