Soldier who killed peace activist denied appeal

Taysir Hayb tells military committee hearing his appeal that he sent taped apology to family of British peace activist Tom Hurndall, whom Hayb killed while he was shielding Palestinian children from gunfire; however family denies receiving tape

Hanan Greenberg|Last update: 07.24.08 , 00:38

A special IDF committee has denied an appeal by the soldier Taysir Hayb, who was convicted of killing British photographer and peace activist Tom Hurndall, for early release from prison. Hayb has served half of his sentence, and the committee determined that when he completes two-thirds his case will be reconsidered.

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Hurndall, 21, was shot in the head during a protest in Rafah, while acting as a human shield for Palestinian children that had been caught in the crossfire. He lost consciousness following the injury and eventually died from complications of the onset of pneumonia. The soldier was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to eight years in prison.

During a debate that took place in the Haifa Military Court Hayb's attorney, Idan Pesach, asked that the soldier be freed from prison due to good behavior and the success of a rehabilitation program in which he had taken part. The military prosecutor objected to the appeal, claiming it would harm relations with Britain.

Pesach denounced the prosecution's claim and said the case had nothing to do with diplomatic relations. Hayb received the right to speak and apologized for the incident in a trembling voice, saying he understood the grief of the Hurndall family.

Hayb also claimed he had never intended to harm the British protestor, and was only tying to intimidate him. He told the committee that he had recently asked to be filmed asking the Hurndall family's forgiveness. He said the tape had been sent to the family.

Hurndall couple. Expect apologies from State (Photo: Reuters)

'Never received tape'

However when Ynet contacted the Hurndall family for comment, Tom's mother Jocelyn told Ynet that the family had never received the tape. "We have never received any tape from the soldier," she said. "If we had it would have gone through our lawyer, and he didn't inform us of the existence of any such tape."

She added that the soldier's apology was not as important to them as official apologies by the State. "The apologies we are waiting for are from the government of Israel, and the Israeli prime minister. The soldier is merely a pawn. We as a family didn't receive anything and this is the first time I am hearing about the committee for his parole. I will check with my lawyer regarding this information," she concluded.

The Hurndall incident caused international and British turmoil and was considered to be one of the most distressing events of the intifada. It caused tension between Britain and Israel, and the Hurndall family has recently announced their plans to file a civil suit.