Former cabinet minister (Shas) R’ Shlomo Benizri, who is currently serving a prison sentence on fraud and related charges, is not likely to be pardoned in the near future. In his letter requesting a pardon, Benizri pointed out that the crimes for which he was found guilty occurred 8-12 years earlier.

Netanel Benizri, a son of the former minister told Kol Chareidim the request was filed with the Justice Ministry unit that addresses such matters. The ministry unit reviews the request and the case, and ultimately, makes its recommendation to the president, who eventually must decide to grant a presidential pardon or to deny such a move.

In this case explained Netanel, the ministry unit has recommended against a presidential pardon at this time.

Benizri began serving his four-year prison term on September 1, 2009.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)