Man jailed for 5.5 years over killing of new immigrant teen; victim’s family: ‘No faith in justice system’

A man is sentenced to five and a half years in jail for the killing of an immigrant teen in 2022 in the northern city of Kiryat Shmona.

Liad Edri was 21 years old when he killed Yoel Lhanghal, 18, at a birthday party.

In addition, Edri must pay compensation of NIS 50,000 (approximately $13,300) to Lhanghal’s family,

Edri was initially accused of murdering Lhanghal, but signed a plea deal in which the murder charge was dropped and replaced with aggravated assault with intent, as well as obstruction of justice.

The prosecution had asked for a jail term of 12-15 years.

“Five years is nothing. We didn’t believe that this would be the result. The truth has not come out. We have lost faith in the justice system,” Lhanghal’s family says.

A senior prosecution official says the compensation amount set by the court is “low and shameful,” the Ynet news site reports.

Surveillance footage of the killing showed dozens pouncing on Lhanghal at a party, hitting him and punching him until he collapsed.

A number of individuals were arrested but Edri was the only one charged.

Three police officers were indicted for obstructing justice. According to a report from the Kan public broadcaster, the daughter of one of the officers had been in a relationship with Edri.