09:22 IL: The Jerusalem District Court moments ago handed down its verdicts in three of the fraud/corruption cases against former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. The court exonerated Mr. Olmert in the Rishon Tours airline ticketing case as well as the Talansky bribe case. The Talansky cash envelopes case was responsible for Olmert having to resign from office. The former prime minister was convicted of fraud and breach of trust in the land investment case, exonerated of others charges in this case as well.

The former PM’s longtime aide and confidant Shula Zaken was found guilty of fraud and breach of trust.

The sentence appears to be four months community service.

On the one hand, Olmert becomes the first prime minister in the nation’s history to be convicted on charges of fraud and breach of trust. On the other hand, supporters of the former prime minister point out he was compelled to leave office and was the target of the media and state prosecutor. He was subjected to humiliation and endless hours of questioning and legal proceedings.

Olmert’s attorneys point out that the state prosecutor has a great deal of explaining to do, adding that even regarding the counts upon which he was convicted; the court stated clearly there is no evidence of intentional fraud or illegal actions, simply stated no premeditation to break the law.

Responses from politicians and members of the legal community feel the court’s decision results in a serious compromise in the integrity of the state prosecutor’s office.

Olmert is still in the midst of the Holyland real estate affair and there is the case pertaining to alleged illegal political appointments.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)