The Movement for Quality Government (MQG) has been pushing for the state to accept Shula Zaken’s testimony and make her a state witness against Ehud Olmert. For reasons that have many scratching their heads the state turned down the offer following over eight hours of testimony from here, providing incriminating evidence against Olmert in a number of illegal activities directly related to his ongoing criminal trials.

The MQG however is unwilling to accept this fait accompli and it has turned to the Supreme Court, which in turn has asked the state to respond as to why it is not using Zaken against Olmert. The court on Tuesday, 9 Adar II instructed the state to respond by 16 Adar II.

As expected the former prime minister’s legal blasted Zaken’s testimony as “lies” and an effort to save herself. She provided damaging testimony documenting criminal activity by Olmert in the Holyland and Talansky cash envelope cases. She also provided testimony of criminal activity against Olmert in the Rishon Tours case, in which Olmert was charged of ripping off organizations by double billing for tickets abroad to permit his family to accompany him at their expense.

The prosecution feels that bringing Zaken’s statements at this late stage in the trial would be very problematic at best. In addition, prosecution officials indicate Zaken is unable to corroborate many of the allegations against Ehud Olmert.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)