An Israeli military court near the West Bank city of Ramallah, sentenced Ahmed Barghouti, a senior Palestinian activist, to 13 life sentences Wednesday, after convicting him of orchestrating attacks that killed 12 Israelis.
Barghouti is a cousin and close associate of senior Fatah West Bank leader Marwan Barghouti, standing trial in Israel.
Ahmed Barghouti, 27, was convicted of planning several attacks and dispatching suicide bombers who carried out operations in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
On his part, Barghouti told reporters before his sentencing that had he not been caught he would have continued to orchestrate attacks. Barghouti also affirmed his loyalty to his cousin.
Barghouti's attorney Ahmed Safia said Wednesday morning that he had petitioned the court to dismiss the case, arguing that his client had been arrested in Area A, which according to past peace accords is under Palestinian security and civilian control. (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
