Sniper acquitted of killing Palestinian sues army
Marksman demands compensation after military court clears him of all charges in death of Palestinian in 2003. Judges heavily criticize Military Police investigation into incident
"For three and half years I've lived in a difficult state of uncertainty, I was accused of grave offences I did not commit and everything was done to try to send me to prison. The investigators pressured me relentlessly, they didn't want to hear me, but in the end the truth was revealed," said Staff Sgt. (res) Artium Agonov on Tuesday after a military court acquitted him of all charges regarding his involvement the death of a Palestinian man in Gaza in 2003.
Agonov, a former sniper for the Samson brigade, is now seeking $20,000 in damages to cover his legal fees as well as to compensate for emotional distress and his damaged reputation. Agonov also said that his ability to find work has been compromised.
"The military police were held captive by their line of inquiry without having checked any alternatives, this is negligence my friends," said Agonov's attorney David Tubol.
Agonov was charged with aggravated assault, an offense punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment. According to the original indictment Agonov, while on patrol in northern Gaza in 2003, allegedly shot 3-4 bullets towards a Palestinian civilian. During the trial it became apparent that there was no record of a civilian being wounded and Agonov said throughout the proceedings that he hit no one.
As the case went on evidence of Agonov's innocence began to pile up against inconsistencies in the military police's charges. In their verdict the military court judges rebuked the military police for their substandard work. Investigators lost a film and pictures, failed to document crucial evidence and delayed the reconstruction of the alleged crime.
"I gave everything for my country," said Agonov, "yet I felt like a victim, they tried to frame me using every
possible method. I don't wish what I went through on anyone and I thank the creator that the truth has been revealed."
The Southern Command military court is scheduled to rule on Agonov's compensation claim this coming week.
