Longtime tradition? The hazing
Court accepts plea in Armored Corps abuse case
Haifa Military Court accepts plea bargain in Battalion 74 abuse case, sentences two officers indicted to five months in jail, three months probation and orders demotion
The Haifa Military Court held another hearing on the Armored Corps abuse case Tuesday, this time pertaining to the suggested plea bargain in the case.
The two officers indicted in the case were sentenced to five months in jail, three months probation and were demoted to the rank of corporal.
As part of the plea, the IDF admitted for the first time that the hazing in Battalion 74 was, in fact, a longtime tradition.
The admission cemented the defense's argument that the officers standing trial were themselves subjected to hazing as newbies and that the "victims" were aware that the hazing was simply a part of the battalion's traditions.
During the hearing, the two defendants, Staff-Sergeant Onn Blumenson and Sergeant Shahar Nitzan, said they felt that military had abandoned them.
Despite being sentenced to several months of jail time, the court agreed to factor in time served and good behavior mitigations and both are expected to be released soon.
The Military Prosecution asserted Tuesday that the sentence reflects the severity of the action.
Both Blumenson and Nitzan expressed remorse for their actions.
As part of the plea bargain, the two's criminal records are likely to be expunged within three years.
A military conviction of a criminal act usually stands for 17 years, but the Military Prosecution is set to recommended Blumenson and Nitzan's criminal conviction be expunged within three years – a decision President Shimon Peres will have to eventually make.
The two will also be demoted to the rank of corporal instead of to that of private. The Military Prosecution also stands to recommend the IDF form a committee tasked with monitoring such incidents within the military in order to nip them in the bud.
