Hamas man sentenced to 15 years in prison

Beersheba court rules Shaker Abu-Mor was integral part of Islamist group's terrorist activity targeting IDF soldiers

Ilana Curiel|Published: 02.20.11 , 18:30

The Beersheba District Court sentenced a member of Hamas, who was convicted of a line of security offences against Israel, to 15 years in prison and 12 months probation.

Shaker Abu-Mor, who was convicted as part of a plea bargain, joined Hamas at the age of 20 and was arrested by security forces three years ago at the age of 26. He initially transported weapons for the Islamist organization and in his last capacity placed explosives charges targeting IDF forces.

"The defendant willingly joined terrorist activity in the purpose of gravely hurting IDF soldiers. He was a dominant protagonist," the judges ruled.

According to the judges, "These types of acts, which endanger the public, warrant a severe penal response."

The panel also ruled that Abu-Mor was a central fpart of Hamas's terrorist activity targeting IDF soldiers. "All of the defendant's acts share a terrorist, murderous and hostile nature," they said. "He worked resolutely and consistently for many years to carry out terrorist attacks and should therefore be punished severely."

The judges nevertheless noted the defendant's young age, the regret he expressed and his life's circumstances as reasons not to punish him to the full extent of the law.