Region | Palestinian Territories

Israel suspends officer involved in West Bank shooting

The Israeli army temporarily suspended an officer over allegations he ordered a soldier to fire a rubber bullet at point-blank range at a bound and blindfolded Palestinian, an army spokesman said on Tuesday.

  • Agencies
  • Published: 14:22 July 29, 2008
  • Gulf News

Occupied Jerusalem: The Israeli army temporarily suspended an officer over allegations he ordered a soldier to fire a rubber bullet at point-blank range at a bound and blindfolded Palestinian, an army spokesman said on Tuesday.

The spokesman said Lieutenant Colonel Omri Borberg had been suspended for 10 days until military prosecutors decide whether there is enough evidence to indict him.

The soldier who fired the rubber-coated metal bullet at the Palestinian detainee told army investigators he was ordered to do so by Borberg.

The incident took place four weeks ago in the West Bank village of Nilin during protests against the construction of Israel's barrier in and around the occupied West Bank.

The shooting was captured on video and released by Israeli human rights group B'Tselem.

According to an army investigation, Borberg said he told the soldier only to shake his rifle to frighten the Palestinian.

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