Victor Ketan was convicted of murdering Ofir Hasdai following an argument over parking/Erez Harel
Victor Ketan was convicted today (Tuesday) of the negligent murder of Ofir Hasdai in the Azrieli Mall parking lot in Ramla 4 years ago, after he got into an argument about parking with him.
The court rejected Katan's claim of self-defense after the judges determined that his wife was not in danger when she confronted Hasdai.
"The defendant felt powerless in anger, the blood rushed to his head," the judges said during the sentencing.
"He did not give himself an account, but acted out of high indifference. The accused acted out of awareness of the nature of the act," they added.
After the verdict was given, the prosecutor's office demanded to arrest him immediately at the end of the hearing.
"There is no meaning in the rehabilitation of a person who has not taken responsibility for his actions," said the lawyers.
The court rejected the prosecutor's request for immediate arrest due to his medical condition but signed an order preventing him from leaving the country.
Convicted of murder.
Victor Katan/Avi Cohen
At the end of the hearing, the panel of judges turned to Dekla, Ofir Hasdai's widow: "We hope that this chapter is behind you, we wish you to know no more sorrow. Today your family went through a significant chapter."
"I'm glad he's guilty, and that he'll get what he should get," said the widow.
"It's a big relief and you can take a long breath. It happened 4 years ago and we didn't know what was going on, we were here the whole way and are happy that at least he got a punishment."
She added, "It doesn't matter if he was convicted of indifference or premeditated murder, in the end he will get the punishment."
Ophir's sister said: "At least justice has finally come to light."
The conviction is murder with indifference and not murder with intent.
That is, it is a lighter charge.
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