A California judge sentenced Loay Alnaji to one year in county jail for the involuntary manslaughter of 69-year-old Jewish pro-Israel protester Paul Kessler during a November 2023 demonstration in Thousand Oaks. Prosecutors formally objected to the sentence as too lenient, having sought a state prison term.
Prosecutors in California formally objected to the one-year county jail sentence handed to Loay Alnaji for the involuntary manslaughter of 69-year-old Jewish pro-Israel protester Paul Kessler, arguing the term is too lenient. The sentence, issued Wednesday July 1 in Ventura County, comes nearly two years after the fatal confrontation during dueling demonstrations in Thousand Oaks, which occurred weeks after the October 7, 2023 massacre.
The Zioneer first reported the sentence Wednesday at 07:12 Jerusalem, noting the one-year term and two years probation. In that initial bulletin, Jewish groups criticized the punishment as signaling that violence against Jews is tolerated. By 18:42 Jerusalem that same day, a full article added that prosecutors had sought a state prison sentence, though the formal objection was not yet on the record. A second bulletin Thursday at 09:27 Jerusalem confirmed prosecutors had formally objected, citing the draft's new development. The sentence itself stems from Alnaji striking Kessler in the head with a megaphone during the dueling protests, causing a fatal fall.
As The Zioneer has reported in several pieces tied to the broader October 7 context, the case has been closely watched by Jewish advocacy groups who see the outcome as setting a dangerous precedent. The desk has noted the contrast with media coverage patterns of similar incidents.
The formal objection by prosecutors — now part of the record — remains under court consideration. No decision on a possible appeal or resentencing has been announced.
3 developments
- StrongFormer soccer player sentenced to 1 year in prison for running over protesters in Tel Aviv
- Strong93-year-old man run over at Geha Junction protest, according to Israeli activist
- DevelopingHomeless man charged with aggravated murder of yeshiva student in Bnei Brak
- DevelopingCourt sentences Hilo Khalil to 25 years for 2020 murder of Israeli teen in Nahariya
Source and signal
- Internal intake