Testimony as a state witness by Shula Zaken in a trial against former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert implicates former Prime Minister Ehud Barak in bribery. Zaken stated that Barak was involved in “millions of dollars in bribes”. Mr. Barak denied the allegations in his comments to the media.

Barak was a defense minister during Olmert’s term as prime minister. Barak referred to Olmert as a ‘convicted criminal’, adding if he has information against him regarding bribery, then the relevant parties should submit the information to police.

Zaken is testifying as a state witness in the Talansky cash envelopes case against Olmert. Olmert was acquitted in that case but after Zaken decided to cooperate with the prosecution, a deal was made to reopen the case and permit her to testify. The decision to reopen the case was challenged to the Supreme Court, but the latter backed the district court’s decision to reopen the case. Zaken is currently serving her prison sentence as per the plea bargain agreement.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)