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ISRAEL: Rachel Corrie’s parents say Israel withholding evidence in wrongful-death suit

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At the conclusion of a 16-month-long trial concerning the 2003 death of their daughter, the parents of American activist Rachel Corrie accused Israel’s military of failing to turn over key surveillance video taken at the Gaza Strip field where Corrie was run over by an Israeli military bulldozer.

At a news conference Monday in Jerusalem, the Corrie family -- which is pursuing a civil lawsuit against Israel -- said the military has only provided the court with one black-and-white video, depicting events before and after Corrie was killed.

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But the family says other video exists, including color images that were released by an Israel Defense Forces official and used in an Israeli television documentary. The family also obtained a third video.

‘There’s more video out there that needs to be turned over,’ said Sarah Corrie Simpson, Rachel’s sister.

Israeli officials have argued in court that they have provided all the video they have.

The judge’s ruling in the case is expected next April, following the submission of final written arguments by both sides. The suit was filed in 2005.

The Corries say Israeli soldiers either intentionally ran over their daughter or were ‘grossly negligent’ in her death by failing to halt the bulldozing work until Corrie and other civilian activists had been removed from the scene. The International Solidarity Movement members were attempting to prevent Israeli bulldozers from demolishing Palestinian homes.

Israeli officials say they have no responsibility for the death because the activists put themselves in danger by protesting during a period of hostilities.

Craig Corrie, Rachel’s father, said the family members filed the lawsuit because they did not believe Israel conducted a thorough investigation in Rachel’s death and they wanted to uncover more information about what happened that day.

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‘We came here seeking accountability,’’ he said. ‘We demand justice.’

-- Edmund Sanders in Jerusalem

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