Jordanian who killed 7 Israeli schoolgirls in 1997 set for release

Ahmed Daqamseh served 20 years of a life sentence for the rampage; lawmakers in Amman lobbied for his freedom

By AP 8 March 2017, 4:44 am
Ahmed Daqamseh on trial in Jordan in 1997. (YouTube screenshot)

AMMAN, Jordan — An official in Jordan’s government says a Jordanian soldier who killed seven Israeli schoolgirls visiting the country on a class trip will be released after serving 20 years in prison.

Spokesman Mohammed Momani said Tuesday that Ahmed Daqamseh is to be freed next week, possibly Monday, after completing his term.

Daqamseh killed the girls in a 1997 shooting rampage at the “Island of Peace” border post at Naharayim.

A military court deemed him mentally unstable and sentenced him to life in prison, which in Jordan typically means 25 years. Jordanian lawmakers lobbied in the past for his early release.

A border crossing near Naharayim where seven girls were murdered in 1997 by a Jordanian soldier while visiting a nearby power station (photo credit: Shay Levy/Flash90)

King Hussein, Jordan’s ruler in 1997, paid a rare visit to Israel to express his condolences to the girls’ parents.

The shooting came three years after Israel and Jordan signed a peace treaty.

Naharayim memorial for the 7 Beit Shemesh girls slain in the area (photo credit: Shmuel Bar-Am)

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