The trial of the Israeli youths convicted yesterday by a three-man military court at Sarafand of membership in an underground terrorist organization neared its end today as the defendants took the stand to make their final statements. The sentences are expected to be meted out tomorrow.
Yaakov Heruti, son of the president of the Supreme Military Court, found guilty of participation in the activities of the organization, told the court that the arms found in possession of the organization were aimed against Arabs “and other enemies of Israel. ” Miss Yaffa Dromi, 24-year-old former radio announcer of the Stern Group who had been found guilty of training the terrorists in addition to being a member of the organization, denied membership in the organization.
Yechsekel Mizrachi, who was arrested in Jerusalem near a store of arms, said he had been arrested while preparing an attack on the Arab Legion camp on the Bethlehem road. M. Sharabi, for whom the prosecutor demanded heavy punishment, told the court today he had decided to quit politics and to start a new life. The defendant Mandel said there was no force to compel him to listen to the sentence of a court which he refused to recognize. He was ordered out of the court room.
Character witnesses, who included parents and teachers of the accused, also testified today that the defendants were all of good behavior during their childhood and displayed bravery during the Israel war of liberation.
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