Tuesday
Aug112009
Israel: The Indictment of Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman
Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at 5:50
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Last week, Israeli police recommended that Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman be indicted on criminal charges. According to the police, there is sufficient evidence that Lieberman took bribes, fraudulently received goods, violated the duties of his public office, obstructed justice, harassed witnesses, and laundered millions of shekels using a host of shell companies and bank accounts. Furthermore, according to a police source, Lieberman contacted witnesses during the investigation despite being told not to do so.
The case was passed to state prosecutors and to Attorney-General Menahem Mazuz. On the same day, Lieberman issued a statement, claiming that the police's decision was without foundation and that he was the victim of political persecution:
One day later, Lieberman told a meeting of his party, Israel Beiteinu, that he would resign as Foreign Minister and party leader if Mazuz pressed charges. He added, “I'm happy that after great efforts and an appeal to the High Court of Justice, the investigation at least has reached its conclusion, and I hope the State Attorney's Office will supply a swift answer."
According to The Jerusalem Post, the Attorney General could take at least two months to issue an indictment. In the event of Lieberman's resignation, the post of Foreign Minister will likely go to his deputy, Danny Ayalon, who is also a high-ranking official in Israel Beitenu.
Buy Us A Cup of Coffee? Help Enduring America Expand Its Coverage and Analysis
Last week, Israeli police recommended that Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman be indicted on criminal charges. According to the police, there is sufficient evidence that Lieberman took bribes, fraudulently received goods, violated the duties of his public office, obstructed justice, harassed witnesses, and laundered millions of shekels using a host of shell companies and bank accounts. Furthermore, according to a police source, Lieberman contacted witnesses during the investigation despite being told not to do so.The case was passed to state prosecutors and to Attorney-General Menahem Mazuz. On the same day, Lieberman issued a statement, claiming that the police's decision was without foundation and that he was the victim of political persecution:
For 13 years the police have conducted a campaign of persecution against me. There was not one real reason to open an investigation against me. I hope that, as opposed to the police, the other law enforcement bodies will act with reason, without political interests and without prejudice, and will not try to justify the longest political investigation in the history of the state.
One day later, Lieberman told a meeting of his party, Israel Beiteinu, that he would resign as Foreign Minister and party leader if Mazuz pressed charges. He added, “I'm happy that after great efforts and an appeal to the High Court of Justice, the investigation at least has reached its conclusion, and I hope the State Attorney's Office will supply a swift answer."
According to The Jerusalem Post, the Attorney General could take at least two months to issue an indictment. In the event of Lieberman's resignation, the post of Foreign Minister will likely go to his deputy, Danny Ayalon, who is also a high-ranking official in Israel Beitenu.