Two Israeli Teens Sentenced for the Death of Palestinian Teenager

February 20, 2016

By Brittani Howell

Impunity Watch Reporter

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL – Last Thursday, two unnamed Israeli minors were given lengthy prison sentences for the murder of Palestinian teenager, Muhammed Abu Khdeir. The older of the two minors, who was seventeen years old at the time of the murder, was sentenced to 28 years (the 25-year maximum life sentence plus an additional three years). The younger one, he was 16 at the time, was sentenced to 21 years, because the court found that he was not actually involved in the murder.

The mother of Muhammed Abu Khdeir on Thursday, February 4, 2016, when the two Israeli teens were sentenced. (Photo courtesy of the New York Times)

The main defendant, 31-year-old Yosef Haim Ben-David, has yet to be sentenced as he plead insanity at the last minute. Last November, all three were found guilty of kidnapping and murder. Mohammed Abu Khdeir was kidnapped the morning of the 2^nd of July 2014 and his body was later found in the forest.

A few days before the murder of Mohammed Abu Khdeir three Israeli teenagers were found dead in a field in West Bank, presumably kidnapped and killed by Palestinian Hamas militants. After being arrested, the defendants confessed the murder of Abu Khdeir was an act of revenge for the killing of the three Israeli’s.

Regarding the shorter sentence for the younger teen, the court ruled “He is the youngest of the bunch with potential for rehabilitation.” The court continued, “His actions are also vicious, he captured the deceased, prevented him from resisting, assisted in strangling him. But nevertheless, he did not take part physically in the last stage that led to his beating and the pouring of the fuel or oil on his body.”

Mohammed Abu Khdeir’s mother, Suha, told reporters, “what kind of justice is this? I’m a mother who lost her son forever, while I’m sure they will be released in 10 years or less. Why? This isn’t justice. This is unfair. I won’t accept such a ruling.” The father stated the family will be sending an appeal, arguing both of the minors should have received life sentences.

Mohammed Abu Khdeir’s father stated, “My wife and I are having nightmares in the middle of the night when we think about what has happened to our son.” He continued, “We are not stable and very emotional about the entire thing.”

For more information, please see:

BBC News – Mohammad Abu Khdair Murder: Two Israelis Jailed – 4 February 2016

CNN – Israeli Teens Sentenced for Palestinian Boy’s Burning Death – 4 February 2016

The Guardian – Israeli Teenagers Jailed for Murder of Palestinian Boy – 4 February 2016

The New York Times – 2 Israelis Sentenced in 2014 Murder of Palestinian Teenager – 4 February 2016

Syria Deeply Weekly Update: Washington Unlikely to Renege on Kurdish Support

February 20, 2016

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the weekly Syria Deeply newsletter. We’ve rounded up the most important stories and developments about Syria and the Syrians in order to bring you valuable news and analysis.

Washington Unlikely to Renege on Kurdish Support

The YPG has taken advantage of military support from the U.S. and a wave of Russian bombardment to make advances on the ground in recent weeks, drawing concern – and artillery shelling – from Turkey. But with a Syrian agenda focused on defeating ISIS, the U.S. isn’t likely to renounce its support for the Kurds.

Refugee Women Resilient Despite Discrimination

Discriminatory residency policies and a severe shortfall in humanitarian aid have left Syrian women in Lebanon at risk of frequent abuse and exploitation, according to Amnesty International. But despite the difficult circumstances, they’ve have shown a resilient determination to take care of their families.

Syria’s Minorities and the Paradox of Neutrality

Trapped between extremist rebels and government forces, Syria’s embattled religious minorities have tried various survival tactics, including attempts at remaining neutral. But in doing so, they provoked the wrath of both sides and have paid a terrible price, writes Salma Mousa.

SNHR: Not Less than 27 Medical Centers Shelled by Russian Forces since Its Intervention

February 20, 2016

27_hospitals_bombed_by_Russian_forces_en

Supreme Court Approves Maduro’s State of Emergency

February 20, 2016

By Kaitlyn Degnan
Impunity Watch Reporter, South America

CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro declared a state of economic emergency on January 14^th. The declaration would give him oversight of the national budget, public and private production and the distribution of essential goods. The Opposition controlled National Assembly attempted to block the move on January 22^nd, rejecting the declaration and arguing in favor of structural reform.

Venezuela’s Supreme Court of Justice (Photo courtesy of Human Rights Watch)

The Supreme Court of Justice, the highest court in Venezuela voted in affirmation of Maduro’s declaration, as many had expected it would. The court is known to “blindly” support the government.

The court was able to overrule the National Assembly because the Assembly did not call a special session to review the decree within 48 or make a declaration within eight days. Waiting, according to the court, “violated the legal process, juridic security and due process consecrated in article 49 of the Constitution.” The court’s ruling called the measures outlined by the decree “proportional, pertinent, useful and necessary.”

The move has prompted reiteration of calls by members of the National Assembly for Maduro’s ouster. National Assembly president Henry Ramos Allup described the Maduro-led government as “terminal.” Allup has called for “peaceful and constitutional” change.

Dropping oil prices has contributed to Venezuela’s recession, increasing inflation (the highest triple digit inflation in the world, according to Bloomberg) and the shortage of basic goods. Reportedly over 70 percent of grocery stores lack basic staples, like cooking oil and toilet paper. Most store shelves are empty.

Maduro’s emergency decree will allow him to assign more resources to public services, create a streamlined process for imports and “oblige individuals” to contribute to the transportation, storage and distribution needs related to increasing production.

For more information, please see:

Bloomberg Business – Venezuela Supreme Court Upholds Maduro’s Emergency Decree – 11 February 2016

Agence France-Presse – Venezuela opposition calls talks on ousting president – 13 February 2016

Buenos Aires Herald – Top court Oks Maduro emergency decree – 13 February 2016

Global Research – Coup Threatened in Venezuela Amidst Deepening Economic Crisis – 15 Feb. 2016

PanAm Post – Open Letter to Venezuelan President Maduro: Please Resign – 15 February 2016

Venezuela Analysis – Economic Emergency in Effect in Venezuela, as Supreme Court Rules in Favour of Executive – 15 February 2016