Published: Sep 3, 2010 00:20 Updated: Sep 3, 2010 00:20
RAMALLAH: The Israeli Military Prosecution on Thursday filed an indictment against an Israeli soldier for looting the Gaza-bound Turkish vessel of Mavi Marmara raided by Israel naval commandos on May 31.
The soldier was charged with looting, theft, dealing in stolen property and behavior unbefitting of a soldier. "It is one of the most embarrassing (affairs) the IDF has known in recent years. The soldiers' behavior was disgraceful and they should be brought to justice," an Israeli military official was quoted as saying.
According to the indictment, the soldier admitted to stealing a laptop computer, two cameras and a compass belonging to the passengers of the Mavi Marmara, which was seized by Israeli commandos as it was making its way to Gaza. Â
The raid, meant to block a Turkish-led aid flotilla from reaching the Palestinian enclave  ended with the death of nine activists aboard the Mavi Marmara. The ship's passengers were detained and later released. The vessels were then led to an Israeli port, where they docked for several weeks before sailing back to their home countries.
The Israeli Military Police investigators launched a probe following complaints that laptop computers and other goods belonging to the ship's passengers had disappeared.
The investigators obtained information that the goods were being traded within the Israeli army and that some of the suspects include commanders tasked with guarding the ship while it was docked in Ashdod's port.
An officer, who holds the rank of first lieutenant, suspected of being involved has denied the allegations against him. Another soldier, arrested last week, admitted that he stole. Both soldiers are expected to be indicted. They face charges of looting, theft and behavior unbefitting a soldier.
Israeli sources said that the news of the investigation was a cause of great embarrassment for the army, which has worked hard in recent months to stave off criticism of the Navy command raid, which resulted in nine dead Turkish nationals and a slew of domestic and international investigations. ¬
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