Ephraim Ben Zuri and Eliahu Khakim, young Palestine Jews on trial here for the assassination of Lord Moyne and his chauffeur, today demanded that the court acquit them because their crime was motivated by humanitarian and idealistic principles. Neither defendant has denied committing the murders.
Addressing the court, Khakim insisted that what he had done had no connection with Zionism, “only with the general principles of humanity.” Ben Zuri said that he acted in accordance with his ideals, adding that “if my ideals were wrong, I am guilty; but if they are right, I am innocent.” The president of the court interrupted him at this point charging that his statement was purely propaganda and had no connection with the offense for which the two are being tried.
The two youths presented lengthy statements outlining their motives for killing the British Resident Minister in the Middle East, but the court prohibited publication of that portion of their remarks until some later date. Both asked that the trial be transferred to an “international court.” Before they spoke, the president of the court told them that they could speak freely, but that they would not be allowed to attack any “allied or friendly nation,” and must confine themselves to facts connected with the murder.
Ben-Zuri addressed the court first, after Khakim declined an invitation to begin, stating that his friend was a better speaker. The youthful defendant spoke calmly and displayed great composure as he presented the facts on the basis of which he hope to escape the death penalty demanded yesterday by the prosecution. He spoke in English, explaining that although he was more fluent in Hebrew, he was afraid his remarks would be distorted in translation.
SAY “SECRET ORGANIZATION” INSTRUCTED THEM TO KILL ONLY MOYNE
Stressing that their instructions from the “secret organization to which we belong.” which was otherwise unidentified, were to kill Lord Moyne, but not harm anyone else, especially any Egyptian, Ben Zuri described how they had studied Moyne’s habits and had followed his car from the Ministry of State to his residence, waiting for a favorable opportunity to shoot. He said that they had at first decided to attempt the murder at a crowded intersection where the car normally slowed down, but abandoned the idea for fear of hitting either the driver or Moyne’s secretary who usually sat besides him.
Instead they chose the alternative of assassinating Moyne outside his residence, although there was Less chance for them to escape since it was not a normally crowded spot. Khamkim shot Moyne, while Ben Zuri killed the driver when he attempted to seize them. Ben Zuri expressed regret that the chauffeur, Lance Cpl. Fuller, had been killed.
He continued to deny that he had attempted to kill the policeman who pursued him, which is one of the four charges on which he and Khamkim are being tried, and said that he only intended to his the constable’s motor-cycle. “I am a good shot,” he added,” and was only six yards from the constable. I am willing to prove that within 30 seconds I could put six bullets in that clock,” and he pointed to a clock on the wall of the courtroom.
Khakim spoke after Ben Zuri, asking that “in the name of justice” the court acquit him. It is understood that Asher Levitsky, famous Palestine trial lawyer, who came here to join the defense, has withdrawn from the case because Khakim declined to adopt the line of defense suggested by him and insisted on making a political address.
The court adjourned until Saturday when the trial will be resumed. All that remains is for the defense to complete presentation of its case, since the prosecution rested yesterday.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
