Terrorist Maher Younis, who served 40 years in jail in Israel, was released Thursday.
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Maher and his cousin Karim Younis – who was released two weeks ago after also spending 40 years in jail – murdered Israel Defense Forces Cpl. Avraham Bromberg in the Golan Heights in 1980.
Both Maher and Karim – who possess Israeli passports – were sentenced to life in prison in 1983, but in 2012 then-Israeli President Shimon Peres commuted their terms to 40 years.
When released, Karim received a hero's welcome in the northern village of 'Ara. He then visited his mother's grave, stating, "I am prepared to sacrifice another 40 years for the freedom of our people. My consolation is that today prisoners are united against the barbarity of the occupation."
Israeli officials worked to prevent similar celebrations upon Maher's release, with National Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir having ordered the Israel Police to prevent such gatherings.
"We must in no way allow the serious offenses of encouraging and supporting terrorism anywhere in the State of Israel," he said, calling Maher's release "a test to our sovereignty."
Israel Police Commissioner Yaakov Shabtai too vowed to prevent a repeat.
"We will not allow the law to be violated during the release of the terrorist. I spoke a few days ago with a relative of the late Avraham Bromberg and assured him that we will not allow any [public displays of] support or sympathy" for Maher, he said in a statement.
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