Olmert Guilty of Fraud, Cleared on Graft Charges

Local Editor

Four years after being charged with fraud, breach of trust, falsifying corporate records, tax evasion and receiving illicit benefits in the cases known as the Talansky Affair and the Rishon Tours double billing scandal, the court acquitted former "Israeli" Prime Minister Ehud Olmert of any wrongdoing.

The former "Israeli" prime minister was, however, found guilty of breach of trust in the Investment Center case.
The offenses in question took place between 2002 and 2006, when Olmert served as the mayor of Occupied al-Quds "Jerusalem" and later as industry, trade and labor minister. Each carries a three-year mandatory prison sentence.

Olmert has maintained his innocence throughout the trial. "I'm walking into court an innocent man and I will walk out of it a vindicated one," he said when the trial began.
Olmert's former bureau chief Shula Zaken, who was also indicted in the Rishon Tours case, was convicted of two counts of fraudulently obtaining benefits, fraud and breach of trust.

A visibly moved Olmert addressed reporters outside the court: "After over four years this case has finally come to its end. Four years ago, the media was riddled with reports of cash envelopes and illicit money. Well, today the court found that there was no such thing."
The ruling, he continued, "Addresses the core of the indictment filed against me - and the court found me not guilty. I never defrauded anyone, not one institution or charity. There was no corruption."
Addressing his conviction for breach of trust, the former PM said: "I respect the court's decision and will act accordingly. I would like to remind you all that the court said that there was procedural impropriety in this case - not fraud and not corruption."

"I do ,however, want to thank the court for maintaining he dignity of the proceedings. I feel the need to quote a man I admire, former prime minister Menachem Begin, who once said - 'There are judges in "Israel".'"
In a statement made following the verdict, the so-called "Jerusalem District Attorney Eli Abarbanel" admitted that his office was surprised by the verdict.
"We didn't except this ruling... but we can't make light of the fact that his was convicted of a very serious offence. The court criticized Olmert and found him at fault for gross conflict of interest in his dealings with Uri Messer."

Source: Ynet, Edited by moqawama.org