Attorney General Menachem Mazuz on Wednesday evening released a statement to the press that a criminal indictment is likely in the Rishon Tours case, in which Olmert is suspected of multiple billing for travel tickets, charging numerous Jewish organizations simultaneously for the same tickets, earning thousands in profit for each official journey abroad. Police investigators estimate the prime minister earned a cool $100,000, money that was used for the Olmert family, not in an official capacity.
The maximum prison sentence for the prime minister if found guilty may be seven years. Mr. Olmert will however have a ‘shimua’ hearing before an indictment. Such a hearing will most likely not take place before the general election on Feb. 10, 2009.
The prime minister faces a multi-count indictment including breach of trust, fraud and falsification of official documents.
Other investigations against Olmert are ongoing, including the Talansky cash envelopes and Bank Leumi. Police recommend closing the Bank Leumi case but the attorney general and state prosecutor may still move ahead with an indictment. Sources close to the investigation report an indictment in the Talansky case is also likely.
Following the announcement from the attorney general, there have been calls from the political left and right for Olmert to step down immediately. Olmert’s aides have released statements indicating the prime minister has no intention of complying.
(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)
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One Response
I don’t know the difference between a “cool” $100,000 and a “warm” $100,000. With all due respect, referring to the sum suposedly received as a “cool” $100,000 smacks of negative opinionation. This is beneath your dignity.