- Title: VARIOUS FILE: Former Israeli PM Olmert indicted for corruption
- Date: 31st August 2009
- Summary: JERUSALEM (FILE, MAY 2008) (REUTERS) EXTERIOR OF JERUSALEM'S DISTRICT COURT, WHERE NEW YORK JEWISH FUNDRAISER MORRIS TALANSKY GAVE IVES TESTIMONY ON BRIBE HE ALLEGEDLY GAVE OLMERT
- Embargoed: 15th September 2009 13:00
- Keywords:
- Topics: Crime / Law Enforcement,Domestic Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA3RCA656H9J7C535XDZ90X6K5J
- Story Text: Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has been charged with corruption, the Office of the Attorney-General Menahem Mazuz announced on Sunday (August 30).
He is alleged to have taken illegal cash payments from U.S. businessman Morris Talansky, whose name has been associated with fundraising for Israeli political causes.
Olmert is suspected of advancing the interests of clients of a former law partner.
In a third case brought against him he is said to have double-billed Israeli charities for overseas travel expenses during fund-raising trips using the "Rishon Tours" agency.
Olmert has denied any wrongdoing in the cases.
Olmert resigned as prime minister in September 2008, saying he intended to wage a legal battle to clear his name.
"I will step aside properly in an honourable and in an honest and responsible way in the manner in which I behaved during my tenure and afterwards I will prove my innocence," Olmert told reporters during his resignation speech.
The charges against Olmert include fraud, breach of trust and failure to report income.
They relate to his terms as mayor of Jerusalem and industry and trade minister before he became Israel's leader in 2006. - Copyright Holder: FILE REUTERS (CAN SELL)
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