Military closes probe into 2014 killing of Palestinian

The military prosecution closes its investigation into the death of a Palestinians protester during Nakba Day demonstrations in the West Bank village of Beitunia, near Ramallah, on May 15, 2014.

Two Palestinians, Nadeem Siam Nawara, 17, and Muhammad Abu Taher, 22, were killed during a demonstration that day.

A video released following the incident appeared to show the two shot while walking in an area away from the demonstration, when they posed no threat to Israeli security forces.

A police probe of the shooting initially found that Border Police officer Ben Deri had used a live round, rather than the nonlethal munitions used to disperse crowds. He has been charged with killing Nawara.

The prosecution now says it didn’t uncover evidence that could shed light on the circumstances of Abu Taher’s death.

“Even after a vigorous investigation, there was no evidence found to point at live fire from IDF soldiers who were present during the incident, but rather only munitions for dispersing riots,” the prosecution tells the B’Tselem human rights group.

Since the shooting, Deri has completed his three-year mandatory service at the West Bank Border Police’s 38th company and has been released from active duty.

— Adiv Sterman contributed