Jerusalem – An Israeli antiquities dealer acquitted in a high-profile forgery case last year says the trial ruined his reputation and is suing the Israeli government for more than $3 million.
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Robert Deutsch was accused of participating in a forgery ring that sold fake antiquities.
Another defendant in the case was accused of forging an alleged burial box of Jesus’ brother. Deutsch was not accused of connections to the burial box.
A judge acquitted both defendants, citing reasonable doubt.
Deutsch says the trial tarnished his name, cost him all his major clients, and got him booted from a university doctoral program, a university teaching post and a major archaeological dig.
He submitted the lawsuit last week against Israel’s Antiquities Authority and the trial’s prosecutors. The Antiquities Authority and Justice Ministry declined comment.