JERUSALEM, April 26, 2017 (WAFA) – The Israeli District Court in Jerusalem Wednesday sentenced 17-year-old Malak Salman, from Beit Safafa in occupied East Jerusalem, to 10 years in prison after she was found guilty of possession of a knife and attempting to stab Israelis.

The incident took place on February 9 of last year when Israeli police stationed outside Jerusalem Old City’s Damascus Gate stopped Salman and asked her to open her school bag. Salman reportedly then pulled a knife but was subdued before anyone was hurt.

Salman appeared in court several times and was convicted on February 17, but the court postponed setting a sentence until the Wednesday session. Her family had previously rejected an Israeli prosecutor’s deal to sentence her for 15 years.

Observers thought the sentence was too severe for the charges filed against Salman.

Israel recently passed laws that allow passing heavy sentences against Palestinian minors who throw stones at or attack Israelis.

M.K.