The Court of Assizes in L’Aquila has sentenced Anan Kamal Afif Yaeesh to five years and six months in prison for terrorist-related charges, while Ali Saji Ribhi Irar and Mansour Doghmosh were acquitted.
The prosecution had accused the three of belonging to a terrorist group called the Rapid Response Group, allegedly planning suicide attacks and car bombings targeting Israeli civilian and military interests. Evidence presented included Telegram conversations in which Yaeesh appeared to support the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack in Israel, which killed 1,200 people and saw 250 hostages taken.
The prosecution had sought sentences of up to 12 years, but the court found only Yaeesh criminally responsible, and with a lesser sentence than requested.
The verdict triggered strong reactions in the courtroom, with around 50 pro-Palestinian protesters shouting “Shame” and “Free Palestine” after the ruling. Security escorted the judge and prosecutor, both under protection, from the courtroom amid ongoing demonstrations.
Defense lawyer Flavio Rossi Albertini rejected the terrorism charges, arguing that the actions discussed in the case were aimed solely at Israeli military forces, which he claimed constituted “occupying forces” under international humanitarian law. He insisted that armed resistance in such cases is not a crime and announced plans to appeal the verdict.
