The High Court of Justice on Wednesday morning announced its verdict in the state’s appeal in the case of former Shas party minister, Rav Shlomo Benizri. The court overturned the lower court’s ruling of 1.5 years in prison, sentencing him to 4 years in prison, adding the bribery, fraud, breach of trust case is a most serious one, demanding the harsher sentence. He was also fined NIS 250,000.
Speaking to Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) host Razi Barkai, David Benizri, the former minister’s brother, stated he is pained but not at all surprised, stating that he knew from the beginning that his brother was “marked” by the system, due to his affiliation with Shas, the chareidi community, and what he stands for. He added that the court’s ruling even cited that Shlomo did not take any money for himself, explaining he always worked for the tzibur and not a person looking for his own gain.
Officials involved in prosecuting the case state this is simply untrue, pointing out that he accepted favors including contractors redoing his home and more.
In April 2008 Jerusalem District Court Justice Yaakov Tzaban sentenced Benizri to 1.5 years in prison and an NIS 80,000 fine. Co-defendant Rav Reuven Elbaz was sentenced to eight months probation and a NIS 120,000 fine. Benizri’s attorney felt the decision was too harsh, promising to appeal to the High Court. The state felt the decision was too lenient, filing an appeal as well.
“I am pained and sorrowed. We will study the decision and then release an official response,” stated the defendant upon leaving the court Wednesday morning.
Benizri will begin serving the prison sentence on September 1.
(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)
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2 Responses
Rabbi David Benizri, his brother has accused the corrupt Israeli court system of a vendetta gainst his brother.
He says that “High ranking homosexuals in law enforcement system influenced the Supreme Court’s decision to lengthen his brother’s punishment and increase his fine.”
He says that he used to tell his brother that “those who threaten this clique pay a price.”
As Minister, Benizri was one of the very few who spoke up against the disgusting Toeva Parades held in Jerusalem.
I am totally convinced of this great mans’ innocence.
These judges and the entire corrupt system are the real criminals and ultimately they will pay dearly for the crimes they have committed against Reb Shlomo and his family.