Shula Zaken, a former bureau chief for Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, was convicted on corruption and breach of trust charges in the Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court on Sunday morning. She was also found guilty of accepting bribes in efforts to influence tax authorities.

Justice Chaim Liran rejected Zaken’s version of events, calling her testimony unreliable. Codefendants in the case have already been sentenced to prison but some will serve their sentences in the form of community service. The state is calling for prison time for Zaken.

This is just one of the cases involving Zaken, who was a long-time trusted confidant of Olmert during his career, beginning in his law office and accompanying him throughout his various cabinet posts to the Prime Minister’s Office.

Zaken’s attorney released a statement that his client respects the court’s opinion, but an appeal is planned.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)