Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit in an address to an assembly spoke out in response to recent comments from former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who is asking President Reuven Rivlin to expunge his criminal record. This would permit Olmert to immediately return to the political arena, without having to wait the seven-year hiatus period.

Mandelblit said, “I regret the recent release of those convicted of corruption offenses who have just finished serving their sentences. These are things that deserve condemnation. It would have been better if these things never came out, if they were never spoken. The law enforcement system is conducted honestly and fairly, its people carry out their work thoroughly and responsibly, without fear and impartiality, all out of a deep commitment to the public interest.”

Mandelblit added, “In light of the public injury caused by the commission of serious offenses, the Supreme Court has also made it clear that the commission of the offenses can impose a moral defect which, in addition to the customary punishment for convicting the offense, also prevents them from serving in public positions”.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)