U.K. cameraman killing case closed
IDF attorney tells family two-year internal probe had not uncovered proof of wrongdoing and IDF soldiers would not be put on trial
TEL AVIV - Relatives of the British cameraman who was killed in an exchange of gunfire in 2003 met IDF Prosecutor General Avichai Mandelblith Wednesday to hear why IDF soldiers involved in the incident would not be put on trial.
James Miller, 34, was killed in the Rafah refugee camp in the Gaza Strip while making a documentary, "Death in Gaza", about Palestinian children caught up in the conflict with Israel.
Mandelblith told Miller's relatives that the two-year internal probe had not uncovered proof of wrongdoing.
"The findings of the military police show that the commanding officer of the unit at the scene allegedly fired his weapon in breach of Israel Defense Force rules of engagement," Mandelblith said. "However, it is not legally possible to link this shooting to the gun shot sustained by Miller (to) provide a reasonable chance for conviction."
Mandelblith told the family that the scientific evidence collected during the investigation, such as the ballistic tests, led to the conclusion that the evidence in the case was insufficient for conviction.
Family may review investigation material
Miller was killed on the Philadelphi Route while IDF troops were in the midst of uncovering an arms smuggling tunnel. During the IDF operation, Palestinian fire was opened at the force; Miller was caught in the crossfire, and it is unclear whether he was killed by IDF or Palestinian gunshots.
The IDF conducted a probe into the circumstances of the event, and the IDF attorney at the time, Menachem Finkelstein, ordered a military investigation to be launched.
The investigation had been conducted for more than a year-and-a half and included ballistic tests, analysis of satellite images, as well as several lie detector tests.
The IDF decided to take disciplinary measures against the officer for misuse of firearms. It was also recommended that the southern command chief take disciplinary action against other troops involved in the incident.
The Judge said he would permit the family to review the investigation material, in accordance with the IDFs assurance that the investigation would be conducted transparently.
