Activists, relatives call for Daqamseh’s release

[Rockstar]

When Israel signed a peace treaty with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in 1994, this enclave was dedicated to promoting peace between the two nations. The Peace Island quickly became a popular site for Israeli school outings. On March 13, 1997 a Jordanian soldier on patrol at the Peace Island opened fire on a group of 7th-grade girls from Beth Shemesh, killing seven and seriously wounding two. A memorial for the seven slain girls was set up on the Israeli side consisting of seven hillocks each with the name of one of the victims written out with flowers. In the photo the names of Keren Cohen, Nirit Cohen, Adi Malkah, and Shiri Bedayev are visible. The other three victims were Sivan Patichi, Yaela Meiri, and Natalie Alkalai. Many Jordanians, include the Minister of Justice, are now calling for the release of the terrorist who carried out the massacre, Ahmed Dakamseh


http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=35039

“Freedom for Daqamseh”, read one banner held by relatives of the former border guard, who is currently serving a life sentence for killing seven Israeli schoolgirls in March 1997...

Daqamseh’s wife said her husband is a hero and deservers to be with his family. “In many countries, this man would be honoured because of his heroic action, but he is treated like a criminal in his country,” she told The Jordan Times ...

... We want to end our dependency on the US. We want to have an independent decision; this would translate into freeing this hero,” he told The Jordan Times."

(emphasis mine)