Terrorist’s young age puts state prosecution in conundrum

The state’s prosecution is preparing to indict Ahmed Manasra, a 13-year-old Palestinian from East Jerusalem who stabbed two Israelis in a terror attack on Monday, for attempted murder.

According to Israeli law, Manasra cannot be tried as an adult until he is 14. While Israeli law defines minors as people under 18 years of age, for the purpose of prosecution on capital crimes the age at which they are tried as adults is 14.

Channel 10 on Friday reports that the state is planning to ask the court to issue a warrant that would allow to hold Manasra under arrest in a locked location until he turns 14, at which time his verdict can be executed and he can be moved to a normal jail.

Since Manasra’s parents would not to sign off on his arrest until he turns 14, this move to may be difficult to implement.

Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked plans to propose changes to the criminal code that would allow trying murder suspects at an age under 14, but even if such changes to the law would pass Knesset approval, Manasra, who committed his crime before the change to the law, would be exempt.

As the situation stands now, the terrorist boy would be free to go home after he is discharged from hospital.

Ahmad Manasra, one of two cousins who went on a stabbing spree in Jerusalem on October 12, 2015 is seen at the Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem on October 15, 2015. Manasra was hit by a car while fleeing from the scene of the attack. (Courtesy)