Following the conviction in the Holyland real estate case of former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and co-defendants, the state prosecutor petitioned the Supreme Court to reopen the Talansky cash envelopes case. The former prime minister was acquitted in that case however the prosecution told the court that after Shula Zaken turned state witness; much has been learned regarding Olmert’s guilt in the Talansky case, which alleges Mr. Olmert accepted sizable sums of cash bribes.

Despite the confidence exuded by the Olmert defense team, the nation’s highest court sided with the state and the case is being reopened and it will be heard again on the district court level.

Olmert has already been sentenced to prison for seven years in the Holyland case. He will be permitted to remain out of prison pending the outcome of a High Court appeal in that case.

Throughout the numerous legal proceedings against Olmert, his long time personal assistant Mrs. Shula Zaken remained silent. However, near the end, she opened up when it became apparent the former prime minister was willing to sell her to the dogs in exchange for his own freedom. It appears that once she began speaking, a significant measure of clarity was added to the state’s case. The state also showed the court how Olmert used unacceptable methods to persuade Zaken not to testify against him. While the High Court’s decision is rare, the court did state the new evidence does warrant readdressing the case.

Olmert’s legal team expresses confidence their client will be acquitted once again.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)