The Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, January 8, 2019, held a sentencing hearing in the case dealing with election fraud in Beit Shemesh in the 2013 mayoral race.

Police at the time raided an apartment in which they found dozens of identity cards, beards, eyeglasses and wigs, allegedly used by persons voting in the names of others. The election was challenged after it was determined there was a high likelihood of foul play in favor of the Shas candidate, Mayor Moshe Abutbul, who was seeking reelection. The activists were connected to Shlomei Emunim. The Jerusalem District Court disqualified the election.

An indictment was filed against eight defendants in 2016, including David Tapalinsky. The prosecution was planning to ask for a jail sentence. After prolonged negotiations and a large measure of Siyata Dishmaya, the prosecutor in the case agreed to amend the indictment and only call for three months of community service, the same as meted out to five earlier defendants in the case despite David being a major player.

On Tuesday, Justice Mordechai Kaduri handed down the sentence of 3.5 months community service, as it was approved by the prosecution.

Adv. Asher Rubinger from the firm of Dr. Weinroth & Co. is quoted telling Kikar Shabbos News they made a big deal of nothing, as during the case he insisted his client was not the major player as believed, but his role was minimal and marginal.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)