Anticipated as Final Hearing in Corrie Case
(Haifa, Israel – June 10, 2011) – Former Gaza Division’s Southern Brigade Commander, Colonel Pinhas (Pinky) Zuaretz, has confirmed with the court that he will testify Sunday, July 10, in what is anticipated to be the final hearing in the Corrie civil trial against the State of Israel. Zuaretz is the last witnesses currently scheduled to testify on behalf of the State. […]
Download: Col. Pinhas (Pinky) Zuaretz Testimony Scheduled for Sunday, July 10 (3316 downloads )
Colonel Zuaretz was the commanding officer of the Gaza Division’s Southern Brigade in 2003, when American peace activist Rachel Corrie was killed. Troops under Zuaretz’ command were responsible for the military’s actions resulting in Rachel’s killing in Rafah, Gaza that day. Zuaretz is the highest ranking officer called as a government witness in the civil trial, and, possibly, the highest ranking Israeli military officer ever to face cross examination in a civil suit regarding the actions of the Israeli military against civilians in Gaza during the second intifada. His testimony is expected to shed light on the Israeli military’s failures as an occupying power to protect civilian life and property in the region.
The lawsuit, filed in 2005 by Attorney Hussein abu Hussein, charges the State of Israel with responsibility for killing American peace activist Rachel Corrie in Rafah, Gaza in 2003. Since the trial opened in March 2010, over 2000 pages of court transcripts have been recorded, from more than 20 testimonies, including that of 14 military personnel. Most government witnesses were identified only by their initials, and nearly half testified while hidden behind a screen.
WHO: Oral testimony and cross examination of former Israeli Military Gaza Division’s Southern Brigade Commander, Colonel Pinhas (Pinky) Zuaretz, by plaintiffs’ attorney Hussein abu Hussein.
WHAT: Anticipated Final Hearing in Corrie vs. State of Israel; a civil case charging the Israeli military with the responsibility of killing Rachel Corrie in violation of Israeli and international law.
WHEN: Sunday, July 10, 2011. Testimony scheduled to begin at 12:00 noon.
WHERE: Courtroom of Judge Oded Gershon, 6th floor, Haifa District Court, 12 Palyam St., Haifa, Israel.
Please visit http://rachelcorriefoundation.org/trial for updates, last minute changes to the court schedule and related information.
For press related inquiries, please contact:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: Sarah (in Israel) at +972-52-952-2143
