The Military Prosecutor’s office received a request from Private Elor Azaria’s legal team to negotiate dropping all appeals over his sentence, Yedioth Aharonoth reported Thursday.
The request came in a letter from attorney Moshe Israel, accompanied with a power of attorney document from Azaria’s lawyer Yoram Sheftel. Attorney Israel is asking to open negotiations to nullify the appeals of the defendant’s sentence – 18 months in jail – that followed his manslaughter conviction.
Attorney Israel told Yedioth: “I see a great value in reaching a quick deal to end the storm that shook the state, the army, and the family, and make things easier for the soldier.”
Attorney Sheftel’s office issued a statement saying they are prepared to negotiate giving up their appeal, “since the military prosecution has been spreading hints that, should the appeal be cancelled, they for their part would make sure there would be a dramatic cut in Azaria’s sentence, we anticipate this move and are prepared the appeal – conditioned on receiving such an offer.”
Azaria’s appeal is scheduled to come before the court in May, before a mixed civilian and military five-judge panel.